Southwest
Federal magistrate judge dismisses trespassing charges against 98 arrested in new military zone
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Dozens of immigrants who illegally crossed into the U.S. via a newly established military-controlled zone along the U.S.-Mexico border have had their trespassing charges dismissed.
Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Gregory Wormuth began filing the dismissals late on Wednesday, ruling the immigrants did not know they were entering the military zone – known as the New Mexico National Defense Area (NMNDA) – and therefore could not be charged, according to court documents.
Wormuth ruled that the federal government failed to demonstrate probable cause that the immigrants knew they were entering the zone.
The government had argued in a criminal complaint that the military had posted signs in the zones stating in both English and Spanish that it was a restricted area and that unauthorized entry is prohibited.
US MILITARY STATIONED AT THE BORDER IN NEW MEXICO NATIONAL DEFENSE AREA CAN DETAIN ILLEGAL MIGRANTS
Dozens of immigrants who illegally crossed into the U.S. via a newly established military-controlled zone along the U.S.-Mexico border have had their trespassing charges dismissed. U.S. soldiers pictured at the southern border in New Mexico last week. (Can Hasasu/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Despite signs indicating restricted access, the judge noted that the challenging terrain made it unlikely that the defendants saw the warnings.
The decision marks a setback for the Trump administration’s border crackdown as the trespassing charges were central to enforcing the NMNDA.
READ THE ORDER – APP USERS, CLICK HERE:
The NMNDA was established in April and spans approximately 180 miles along the southern New Mexico border. U.S. Army personnel now patrol the area and are authorized to detain unauthorized entrants.
“Beyond the reference to signage, the United States provides no facts from which one could reasonably conclude that the Defendant knew he was entering the NMNDA (New Mexico National Defense Area),” wrote Wormuth in a 16-page ruling. Wormuth has served as a U.S. magistrate judge since 2009. Magistrate judges are appointed by district court judges and not by the president.
Army Sgt. Drew Scheffer, assigned to Joint Task Force Southern Border, provided surveillance over the southern border near Santa Teresa, New Mexico, on April 12. The military has been patrolling the southern border as part of the Trump administration’s crackdown on illegal migration. (Department of Defense)
The judge dismissed two charges faced by the 98 arrested immigrants: violation of a security regulation and entering military property for an unlawful purpose, both misdemeanors. A third misdemeanor charge of entering the U.S. illegally remains.
Up to May 9, Ellison’s office reported charging 339 migrants for entering the New Mexico military area.
TRUMP ORDERS MILITARY TO TAKE CONTROL OF FEDERAL LAND AT SOUTHERN BORDER
Last month, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum visited New Mexico to announce that the Army was taking control of the federal land as part of the Trump administration’s efforts to curb illegal immigration and trafficking.
The 109,651 acres of federal land was transferred to the Army for three years, subject to valid existing rights.
U.S. soldiers pictured at the southern border in New Mexico last week. (Can Hasasu/Anadolu via Getty Images)
The switch in jurisdiction allows the government to protect sensitive natural and cultural resources in the region, while helping the Army support U.S. Border Patrol operations in securing the border and preventing illegal immigration, according to the Department of the Interior.
In March, the Defense Department authorized the military to patrol the southern border to provide “enhanced detection and monitoring” to support U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Fox News Digital emailed and called a Department of Justice attorney involved in the case for comment.
Fox News’ Louis Casiano and Reuters contributed to this report.
Read the full article from Here
Southwest
Arizona judge resigns after being caught allegedly urinating on street near courthouse: ‘This is disgusting’
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
An Arizona Superior Court judge has resigned after allegedly being caught urinating in public just steps from the courthouse where she served.
Prescott police responded around 1:30 a.m. on Oct. 4 after witnesses reported a woman relieving herself near Montezuma and Gurley Street, on the same block as the Courthouse Plaza where she worked, FOX 10 first reported.
Bodycam video obtained by Fox News Digital appears to show Yavapai County Superior Court Judge Pro Tempore Kristyne Schaaf-Olson pulling up her pants before quickly sitting on a bench.
“This is disgusting,” the responding officer says as he approaches Schaaf-Olson.
TEXAS SHERIFF ARRESTED BY HIS OWN DEPUTIES, NOW FACES NEW CHARGE FOR LYING TO GRAND JURY
An Arizona Superior Court judge has resigned after allegedly being caught urinating in public just steps from the courthouse where she served. (Prescott Police Department)
The video shows Schaaf-Olson struggling to spell her own name as the officer attempts to identify her.
Moments later, Schaaf-Olson’s husband, Jason Olson, who serves as the parks and recreation manager for the Town of Chino Valley, according to FOX 10, approaches the scene and tries to pull his wife away from the officers – repeatedly refusing orders to step back.
When asked why she was being questioned, the officer replied, “Because I just saw her puking and urinating, exposing herself to several people.”
“Nope. That wasn’t her,” Jason Olson insists.
FEDERAL JUDGE DISQUALIFIES ACTING NEVADA US ATTORNEY FROM HANDLING CASES
Schaaf-Olson’s husband, Jason Olson, approaches the scene and tries to pull his wife away from the officers. (Prescott Police Department)
As Jason Olson continues to resist police commands, the officer throws him to the ground.
“Get your a– on the f—ing ground, dude,” the officer says.
“I’m not doing anything!” Jason Olson says.
“515, we’re fighting,” the officer can be heard saying as several other officers work to restrain and handcuff Jason Olson.
Schaaf-Olson was cited for urinating or defecating in public – a misdemeanor offense.
FEDERAL JUDGE RELEASES WOMAN ACCUSED OF THREATENING TO KILL TRUMP
Schaaf-Olson was cited for urinating or defecating in public – a misdemeanor offense. (Prescott Police Department)
The video shows her identifying herself as a judge, saying, “That’s fine. I want to let you know, my name is Judge Kristyne Olson.”
Schaaf-Olson is also seen struggling to sign the citation.
“Nope, right here on the screen. On the screen,” an officer says.
Jason Olson was cited for resisting arrest, interfering with a crime scene investigation and obstruction of government operations, according to FOX 10.
Days later, Yavapai County Superior Court confirmed Schaaf-Olson had submitted her resignation, effective Oct. 31.
Yavapai County Superior Court confirmed Schaaf-Olson had submitted her resignation, effective Oct. 31. (Yavapai County Courts)
“My resignation comes after careful consideration of current physical, medical and family circumstances,” Schaaf-Olson said in an Oct. 6 statement.
She added, “The Yavapai community deserves and has judges who are steadfast in their commitment to serving Yavapai County, considering current events in my life, I believe it would be difficult to honor this commitment. I have therefore decided to resign.”
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Schaaf-Olson’s pre-trial conference is scheduled for Dec. 16, while Olson’s is on Nov. 18, according to FOX 10.
The Prescott Police Department did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
Read the full article from Here
Southwest
New Mexico man allegedly kills mother, stores dismembered remains in home freezer for weeks: Report
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
An Albuquerque, N.M., man has been arrested on charges of allegedly killing and dismembering his mother before placing her remains in a freezer, according to reports.
Court records show 49-year-old Leroy Vallejos was booked into the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center on Wednesday. He is charged with first-degree murder, battery, battery of a household member and tampering with evidence, and is being held under preventative detention.
The Albuquerque Police Department alleged that Vallejos admitted to an officer that he choked his 69-year-old mother, Ernestina Lucero, to death nearly three weeks ago, KRQE in Albuquerque reported.
Police said Vallejos claimed his mother was part of a “group of people giving their lives to darkness” who were conspiring against him.
ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ARRESTED AFTER WOMAN FOUND SHOT TO DEATH IN TEXAS WOODS, 1 WANTED BY MEXICAN FEDS: POLICE
Leroy Vallejos, 49, was booked into the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center on Oct. 29, 2025, after being charged with killing and dismembering his 69-year-old mother, according to court records. (Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center)
Police reportedly conducted a welfare check at Lucero’s home last Tuesday after Vallejos told a healthcare company his mother had been missing for about a week. He allegedly called the company to request payment for her care despite not having seen her.
During the welfare check, Vallejos let officers inside and told them his mother had gone to Mexico. But as they looked around, officers reportedly found Lucero’s prescriptions still in her bedroom.
TEXAS COUPLE ARRESTED AFTER BODY OF SPECIAL NEEDS SON, 26, DISCOVERED BURIED IN BACKYARD
A general overall aerial view of the downtown Albuquerque skyline on Feb. 16, 2024 in Albuquerque, N.M. (Kirby Lee/Getty Images)
One officer allegedly found garbage bags inside a large freezer that were later determined to contain the remains of a female, the station reported.
The discovery led to another search of the home, where officers found a saw with what appeared to be dried blood stains under a sink.
BURNING MAN HOMICIDE ROCKS FESTIVAL AS POLICE ASK FOR PUBLIC’S HELP AFTER MAN FOUND IN ‘POOL OF BLOOD’
Leroy Vallejos, 49, was booked into the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center on Oct. 29, 2025, after being charged with killing and dismembering his 69-year-old mother, according to court records. (iStock)
Before the welfare check, another family member reportedly told police Lucero was missing, prompting the department to issue a missing person bulletin on Oct. 23 and launch an investigation.
A preliminary investigation found that Vallejos allegedly withdrew money from his mother’s account, and her vehicle was reportedly sold before she was reported missing.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
The Albuquerque Police Department did not respond to Fox News Digital’s request for additional information on the matter.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Read the full article from Here
Southwest
Newly released video shows cops cuffing teen linked to violent sex assault scandal that has families fuming
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
A newly released body-camera video shows the arrest of a teen accused of violent sex assaults in a case now drawing backlash after he received no jail time under Oklahoma’s youthful-offender law.
The teen, Jesse Butler, was 17 when he was arrested. He later pleaded no contest to multiple felony counts, including attempted first-degree rape, sexual battery and assault by strangulation.
His 78-year sentence was fully suspended under the youthful-offender statute, allowing him to remain free if he meets court-ordered rehabilitation terms. Victims’ families have publicly criticized the outcome. A mother of one of the victims told KOCO the justice system “failed” her daughter.
“As a mom, I never thought I’d have to watch my daughter fight this kind of battle, one where she had to prove she was the victim, over and over again, while the system made excuse after excuse for the person who hurt her.”
FAMILIES OUTRAGED AFTER HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT IN VIOLENT SEX ASSAULT CASES AVOIDS PRISON AS YOUTHFUL OFFENDER
Officers move in to arrest 17-year-old Jesse Butler as his mother looks on. (Stillwater Police Department)
The newly released video shows Butler’s seemingly calm arrest at a home in Stillwater. His mother was seen walking to the front door, telling officers, “We’re ready to tell our story too,” before knocking and calling out to her son to open the door.
In the video, officers informed Butler that there was a warrant for his arrest and that he would be taken to the Stillwater Police Department for processing.
Butler, who appeared to be holding back tears, listened quietly as officers explained the purpose of their visit.
“Yeah, so we’re here, we’re obviously going to place you under arrest, there’s a warrant for your arrest… we are going to take you to the jail… I do have to put you in handcuffs, so turn around for me,” one officer said.
“You have to put him in handcuffs?” Butler’s mother asked.
The officer continued and told the teen, “You shouldn’t be there very long,” adding, “There is just a process for paperwork and stuff.”
Butler’s mother could be heard throughout the clip reassuring her son and mentioning family members and contacts already involved in his case.
ATTEMPTED MURDER SUSPECT WITH FOUR PRIOR CASES WALKS FREE ON $9.5K BOND AFTER BRUTAL TRAIL ATTACK
Police body camera video shows officers placing Jesse Butler in handcuffs during his arrest. Butler, a high school student in a violent sexual assault case, was later sentenced as a youthful offender — avoiding prison time. (Stillwater Police Department)
“I’ll get you out,” she says. “All right, stay silent. Rick knows about this, Candy’s on this, Dad’s on his way. We’re coming to get you, OK? Stay strong. Say your prayers.”
Jesse Butler’s father, Mack Butler, is the former director of football operations at Oklahoma State University, located in Stillwater.
The exchange remained calm throughout. Officers did not raise their voices, and Butler appeared cooperative as he was handcuffed and escorted out. One officer clarified that Butler was being taken to the Stillwater Police Department, not the county jail, to avoid confusion about his location.
“Awful experience for a child,” Butler’s mom said as officers walked him to the police car. “Later, Jess, see you in a bit.”
EX-OFFICER SENTENCED FOLLOWING ARREST FOR GROPING ONLYFANS STAR IN VIDEO WHILE ON DUTY
Body cam video captures the moment Jesse Butler is cuffed by police while his mother watches nearby. (Stillwater Police Department)
The Stillwater Police Department said officers were first notified Sept. 12, 2024, of incidents that reportedly took place earlier that year.
“A full investigation was initiated the following day that resulted in SPD submitting the case to the Payne County District Attorney’s Office, where it was reviewed and charges were filed,” the department said in a statement.
At the time, Butler was a student in Stillwater Public Schools. Court records obtained by KOCO include several emotional victim impact statements describing lasting fear and trauma.
“You didn’t just strangle me with your hands — you strangled my voice, my joy, my ability to feel safe in my own body,” one victim wrote.
VICTIM’S GIRLFRIEND AMONG 9 TEENS ARRESTED IN 16-YEAR-OLD’S BEACH TOWN MURDER
Jesse Butler pictured in a baseball uniform before the criminal allegations came to light. (Risin Baseball)
A police affidavit reviewed by Fox News details brutal acts, including a girlfriend who said she was repeatedly raped and strangled if she refused, and a doctor warned she would have died in one instance if the strangulation lasted seconds longer.
The Payne County District Attorney’s Office has said the decision to handle the case under Oklahoma’s youthful-offender law was based on Butler being 17 at the time of the alleged offenses. The office emphasized the statute “allows the court to maintain supervision until the defendant’s 19th birthday and gives him a chance for rehabilitation while still holding him accountable.”
In its statement, the DA’s office also wrote that the law “does not erase the crimes or minimize their impact.”
Rep. Justin “JJ” Humphrey (R-Okla.) called the ruling “unacceptable” and announced plans to petition for a grand jury review.
“If that don’t set you on fire, your wood’s wet,” Humphrey told Fox News Digital. “You know what I mean? You’ve got a bad deal. That sets me on fire.”
Court documents show Butler remains bound by a sentence issued Aug. 25, 2025, contingent on full compliance with a state-supervised rehabilitation plan.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
While Butler was sentenced to a total of 78 years, the sentence is suspended under Oklahoma’s youthful offender program, meaning he will not serve prison time unless he violates the program’s conditions.
He remains under Office of Juvenile Affairs supervision until his 19th birthday, subject to counseling, therapy, more than 100 hours of community service, a curfew, no social media, daily check-ins and weekly counseling, according to documents obtained by Fox News.
If Butler fulfills the terms of the program and avoids further legal trouble, he can remain out of prison, though any violation could result in the full sentence being enforced.
His next hearing is scheduled for Dec. 8 in Payne County District Court.
Fox News’ Brooke Taylor contributed to this report.
Stepheny Price covers crime, including missing persons, homicides and migrant crime. Send story tips to stepheny.price@fox.com.
Read the full article from Here
-
Vermont1 week agoNorthern Lights to dazzle skies across these US states tonight – from Washington to Vermont to Maine | Today News
-
West Virginia1 week ago
Search for coal miner trapped in flooded West Virginia mine continues for third day
-
Business1 week agoDeveloper plans to add a hotel and hundreds of residences to L.A. Live
-
Education1 week agoVideo: Justice Dept. Says It Will Investigate U.C. Berkeley Protest
-
World1 week ago
The deadly car explosion in New Delhi is being investigated under an anti-terrorism law
-
Culture1 week agoTest Yourself on the Settings Mentioned in These Novels About Road Trips
-
Business3 days ago
Fire survivors can use this new portal to rebuild faster and save money
-
Southwest1 week agoFury erupts after accused teen sex predator dodges prison; families swarm courthouse demanding judge’s head