New Mexico court case against El Paso judge dismissed

SANTA FE, New Mexico — The case against an El Paso judge accused of driving under the influence and weapons violations was dismissed by a judge in New Mexico.

Deputies from the Sante Fe County Sheriff’s Office arrested El Paso Magistrate Judge Ray Gutierrez in late September.

Gutierrez allegedly backed into another vehicle in the Santa Fe Opera parking lot while trying to leave the Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta, deputies said. He then performed poorly during field sobriety tests and had a blood alcohol content above the legal 0.08 limit, authorities said.

In addition, he was accused of having a gun on him while drinking.

Concerns were raised about the video evidence and defense attorneys for Guiterrez have said that the state couldn’t verify its authenticity.

Judge David Segura suppressed that evidence, and as a result, prosecutors dismissed the charges.

Guitierrez was placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of this case. It was unclear whether he is to return to his job.