Citizens for Norman R. Wheeler

04/07/2026

Ruben J. Chavarria, Jr. is sentenced for Multiple Counts of Child Sexual Abuse

Silver City, NM – Sixth Judicial District Attorney Norman R. Wheeler announced today that Ruben Chavarria, Jr. has been sentenced to 66 years, he was given confinement credit for time served. He will still serve 61 years, 3 months, and 19 days in the New Mexico Department of Corrections following his conviction for multiple felony offenses involving the sexual abuse of a child under the age of 13.

Following a jury trial in Silver City, Ruben J. Chavarria, Jr. (68) was found guilty of four counts of Criminal Sexual Pe*******on in the First Degree (Child Under 13) and one count of Criminal Sexual Contact of a Minor in the Second Degree (Child Under 13).
The jury trial and sentencing were presided over by the Honorable Judge Hofacket.
The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Celeste Robertson and Chief Deputy District Attorney Cynthia Clark; Deputy District Attorney Joseph Patrick Silva represented the state at sentencing.
The investigation began after the victim disclosed to a friend that she had been inappropriately touched by her mother’s boyfriend. Law enforcement was notified, and an investigation followed. During the trial, the victim testified that the abuse occurred over a period of approximately two years, When the victim was between the ages of five and seven, while Chavarria resided in her family home.

District Attorney Wheeler emphasized the importance of holding offenders accountable and praised the courage of the victim in coming forward, as well as the work of law enforcement and prosecution in securing justice.

We want to thank the members of the jury for their attention and consideration during the trial.

04/07/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 6, 2026 – The justice system is responsible for holding individuals accountable for criminal conduct while also working to protect and support victims of crime. An important part of this process is determining whether a defendant poses a danger to the community under applicable law.
In 2016, voters approved a constitutional amendment establishing what is commonly referred to as a No Bond Detention or Pre Trial Detention Hearing. prior to this amendment at arraignment a magistrate judge was entitled to set a bond on a defendant based upon the nature of the charges and the record of the defendant.
AFTER THE PASSAGE OF THIS AMENDMENT, all defendants are required to be released without posting a bond regardless of the charge unless a motion under NMRA 5-409 is filed by the district attorney’s office. After the passage of this amendment, a defendant may be held without bond only after a formal court hearing based upon the filing of the 5-409 motion. At that hearing, the prosecution must present clear and convincing evidence that the defendant poses a danger to the community and that no conditions of release can be set that would protect the community. so, in only those cases in which a 5-409 motion is filed might a defendant be held without bond.
The graph represents the number of detention hearings for the year 2025.

03/05/2026

09/03/2025

Ten Arrested in Drug Smuggling Operation at Hidalgo County Detention Center
Lordsburg, NM I Sept 2, 2025 — Sixth Judicial District Attorney Norman Wheeler announced today that ten individuals have been arrested and charged in connection with a drug & contraband distribution network operating within the Hidalgo County Detention Center in Lordsburg, New Mexico.
The investigation began when a District Attorney’s Office investigator, while reviewing inmate phone calls for an unrelated case, identified suspicious conversations involving prison inmates and a detention center kitchen worker. This discovery prompted a deeper investigation, revealing a broader criminal operation.
The 6th District Attorney Investigators uncovered a network responsible for smuggling drugs and contraband into the facility. The individuals involved—both inmates and outside accomplices—allegedly served as distributors, runners, and facilitators.
District Attorney Wheeler coordinated with the New Mexico High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force, New Mexico State Police and the Silver City Police Department for the multiple arrests.
“This kind of activity, and the danger it brings, will not be tolerated,” said Sixth Judicial District Attorney Wheeler. “Our rural communities deserve better. These individuals—are accused of exploiting the prison system for personal gain, preying on incarcerated individuals, and profiting from criminal activity within a system meant to uphold justice.”
The case remains under active investigation, and additional charges may follow.

08/12/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19bpsZfD4P/

07/31/2025

Raven Christopher Arellin sentenced and flees court order.

Raven Christoper Arellin was sentenced on July 21, 2025 for Receipt, Transportation or Possession of a Firearm or Destructive Device by a Felon. He was sentenced to 2 years, 1 months, 114 days to be served in the Department of Corrections. ARELLIN failed to check-in at the Grant County Sheriff’s Dept. for transport to the Department of Corrections and a Bench Warrant was issued by Judge Foy on July 28th, 2025.

ARELLIN is now considered a fugitive from justice. If you have information about RAVEN CHRISTOPHER ARELLIN, please call Grant County Central Dispatch at 575-388-8840 or your local law enforcement office.
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07/30/2025

FOR FULL STATEMENT CLICK HERE
https://6thda.com/news-article/da-wheelers-statement-on-animal-cruelty-case-involving-grant-county-sheriffs-deputy/

07/03/2025

The District Attorney's office will be closed on Friday, July 4th. Please enjoy a safe and happy holiday.

06/11/2025