Sgt. in excessive force case to remain free
Lawman accused of kicking suspect in the face makes 1st court appearance
A Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office sergeant accused of fracturing a suspect’s face will remain free as he faces a felony aggravated battery charge, an Albuquerque judge ruled Monday.
David Priemazon, 48, made his first appearance in Metropolitan Court on Monday before Judge Jill Martinez.
Priemazon, who has been with BCSO since 2003, is accused of using excessive force against 34-year-old Christopher Lucero on March 19. According to court documents, Lucero had been involved in a pursuit that ended when deputies used an intervention technique causing his vehicle to roll.
Court documents say Priemazon kicked Lucero in the face, causing an orbital wall fracture that required hospitalization.
A fellow deputy reported the alleged use of excessive force, triggering an internal affairs investigation. The case was later turned over to New Mexico State Police, which issued a warrant for Priemazon’s arrest.
He has been placed on administrative leave. During Monday’s hearing, Martinez kept in place a $500 cash bond that Priemazon posted Friday night.
Priemazon’s attorney, Fred Martinez, said Priemazon is working as an armed security guard, and the judge said he would be allowed to possess a gun as he awaits trial. He must seek permission from the court if he plans to leave the state and is prohibited from contacting any witnesses in the case. Martinez declined to comment on the hearing. Priemazon is scheduled for a preliminary hearing next month.