ALBUQUERQUE, NM — Albuquerque police have fired a former commander from their department internal affairs unit amid an ongoing corruption investigation, officials said. An officer who once worked on a team tasked with arresting drunk drivers has resigned.
Cmdr. Mark Landavazo has been fired for violating department policy, department spokesman Gilbert Gallegos said Thursday. Neill Elsman, who worked at the team being investigated, resigned on Tuesday after returning from military leave, Gallegos added.
Attempts to reach Landavazo and Elsman for comment were unsuccessful Friday because their contact information could not be found online or in a public records search. It was unknown whether the men had attorneys who could speak on their behalf.
Landavazo was the first officer fired in connection with the investigation.
In addition to Elsman, seven officers have since resigned in connection with the alleged case-fixing scandal. The investigation is focused on reports that officers in the unit were paid to have drunk driving cases dismissed.
The FBI is conducting its own investigation into allegations of illegal conduct, but no charges have been filed. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will determine whether to file criminal charges against former agents accused of violating federal law.
Police launched an investigation into officers who currently or previously worked for the unit after reports emerged that members of the team accepted bribes to have drunk driving cases dismissed.
According to documents obtained by the Albuquerque DiaryThe federal investigation began after an officer pulled over the driver in August 2023. He allegedly told the driver to contact a specific attorney to ensure that police did not take the case to court.
The FBI investigation focused in part on DWI cases brought by certain agents that were ultimately dismissed in court, the Journal reported. More than 150 cases alleged that drivers were driving while intoxicated are fired as part of the federal investigation.
“We will continue to follow the evidence and ensure everyone is held accountable,” Police Chief Harold Medina said in a statement Thursday.