Extortion trial of ex-Sunland Park Pro-Tem Daniel Salinas continued instead of beginning Monday

The extortion trial of former Sunland Park Mayor Pro-Tem Daniel Salinas was scheduled to begin Monday, Jan. 14 but has been continued.

No date has been set. Attorneys for both sides presented motions for continuance which was granted by District Judge Marcy Beyer.

Salinas faces charges, in this trial, of extortion and tampering with evidence. Salinas’ attorney Joshua Spencer tells ABC7 the next hearing will be a status conference on January 28.

Spencer hopes to have progress at that time on his clients release on bond. Salinas has been in the Dona Ana County Detention Center since his arrest nine months ago.

He is being held on a $200,000 secured bond. Spencer maintains his client is not a threat to the community and will report to court. Spencer says the political motivations from the previous District Attorney have kept his client in jail.

He says because there are no politics with the new administration, Salinas’ release from jail on bond could happen soon. Donors had contributed $50,000 towards Salinas’ release. That money remains in the courts. Spencer says it may take at least another $20,000 cash for his release. Salinas was not in court this morning.