In addition to being removed from the bench, Doña Ana County Magistrate Judge Carlos Garza was ordered today to pay $16,760 to the Judicial Standards Commission.
That was for reimbursement of the costs of its investigation.
The commission found that Garza used cocaine and abused his position to benefit a woman with whom he had a personal relationship. Because of the commission’s findings, the New Mexico Supreme Court ordered Garza’s immediate removal from the bench, a permanent ban on him ever seeking or holding judicial office again and the reimbursement of costs, according to Commission Director Jim Noel.
The court’s decision came after Noel and Garza each had an opportunity to argue their cases before the high court.
I couldn’t reach Garza for comment.
Gov. Bill Richardson will fill the vacancy on the magistrate court with a new appointment. There is no timetable, but
The process usually takes several weeks.