Doña Ana County District Attorney’s Office completes court-ordered community service
Doña Ana County prosecutors completed more than 100 hours of community service after a court order originally requiring 10 hours.
Staff volunteered at Casa de Peregrinos and El Caldito Soup Kitchen following disclosure-related court order
Organ Mountain News report
LAS CRUCES – Staff from the Doña Ana County District Attorney’s Office completed more than 100 hours of community service Friday morning at Casa de Peregrinos and El Caldito Soup Kitchen.
About 30 employees volunteered between 8 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., helping with food distribution, packaging, meal preparation and other tasks.
The community service was ordered by Judge Richard M. Jacquez after a disclosure violation by the office in December. The court initially imposed a $1,000 fine, but District Attorney Fernando R. Macias requested reconsideration. The fine was withdrawn and replaced with a requirement that the office complete 10 hours of community service.
"While the circumstances that led to this were regrettable, we are grateful for the opportunity to give back to our community in a meaningful way," Macias said. "Today was about service, solidarity and demonstrating our office’s commitment to accountability and public trust."
Casa de Peregrinos and El Caldito Soup Kitchen provide food assistance and support services to individuals and families in Doña Ana County.
Following Friday’s event, Macias said the office may pursue additional volunteer opportunities.
"We look forward to continuing to strengthen our ties with the community we serve," he said.