District Attorney D’Antonio fends off challenger Dickens

District Attorney Mark D’Antonio is headed for a general election match-up against Republican C. Lane Brad Cates.

D’Antonio is seeking a second term in the 3rd Judicial District.

His challenger is James Dickens, a prosecutor from Alamorgordo with 16 years of experience. Cates ran unopposed in the Republican primary.

With 95% of precincts reporting in the Democratic primary, D’Antonio led with 8,694 votes (59%). Dickens received 6,075 votes (41%).

Earlier this week, Dickens told ABC-7 too many cases in the district are being resolved with plea bargains that allow criminals to serve time on lesser charges.

D’Antonio argues decisions to plead down charges often come after consulting with victims, who may not want to go through the emotional strain of a trial.

“I have a great relationship with the courts. We are doing great things in the community. We really working hard, partnering with various agencies to make it a cohesive great DA’s office. We’ve been very successful,” D’Antonio said.

Dickens believes it’s time for a change.

“All three of the local law enforcement unions have reached out to me and they have endorsed me unanimously. So those men and women, the first responders the ones who have to go out there and talk to the victims they know me after 16 years. They know my dedication to the victims and the community,”said Dickens.

The incumbent has filed an ethics complaint against Dickens. D’Antonio accuses him of accessing Dona Ana County District Attorney case results, potentially containing personal information, from the 12th Judicial office out of Alamorgordo to use against him in the election.

Dickens argues the information is public.

Dickens also filed a complaint of his own accusing the incumbent of violating campaign finance laws.

The Las Cruces Sun News has endorsed James Dickens.