ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) A federal judge has begun proceedings to determine whether a former northern New Mexico sheriff is entitled to a new trial in a civil rights case that resulted in his ouster from office. The Rio Arriba County Commission removed former Rio Arriba County Sheriff Thomas Rodella from office after he was convicted Sept. 26 of depriving an Espanola man of his rights during a traffic stop during which Rodella brandished a gun.
District Judge James Browning began the hearing Thursday, hearing testimony stemming from a defense motion alleging that accuser Michael Tafoya lied about his employment status.
Testimony indicated Tafoya didn't lie, but the judge is now giving defense attorney Robert Gorence more time to gather evidence regarding another witness.
