(Silver City, NM) - State Senator Howie Morales (D-28) today requested New Mexico Attorney General Balderas to investigate whether Sixth Judicial District Court Attorney Francesca Estevez received preferential treatment when she stopped last month and local law enforcement had suspicion of drunk driving. Morales sent a letter to Attorney General this week in which he expressed his strong concerns over the incident, including whether Estevez should resign her position as District Attorney.

GǣWe need an independent investigation of the incident involving Sixth Judicial District Attorney Francesca Estevez,Gǥ Sen. Morales said. GǣI am very concerned that special treatment was afforded to an elected official that is not afforded to ordinary citizens. Specifically, when Estevez was detained, she was not given a field sobriety test, thereby hindering the ability to confirm whether she was legally intoxicated at the time of the incident. The State Police and City Police have indicated criminal charges will not be filed against Estevez.Gǥ

In his letter to AG Balderas, Sen. Morales wrote that Gǣthere is an appearance that officers are being selective in how and who they choose to investigate based on whether or not the suspect is a public office holder.Gǥ

He also expressed concern over abuse of power by Estevez, and that she Gǣdemonstrated intimidation when she mentioned involving the U.S. Department of JusticeGǥ during the traffic stop.

GǣNo one is above the law, and public servants should never use their office to intimidate or coerce for personal benefit,Gǥ Sen. Morales wrote.

The incident occurred on June 11, 2016 in Grant County, New Mexico. An eyewitness used a cell phone to record the suspicious driving behavior of an individual later identified as Estevez. Her car was stopped and she was questioned by local police officers who had concerns about EstevezG