Wanted Texas fugitives released, rearrested
Two Texas fugitives with ties to Taos who were arrested in January were somehow released from jail before they could be extradited back to Texas, according to court records and a news release from Taos County Sheriff Jerry Hogrefe.
Jesus Mondragon and Monique Garcia were originally arrested on Jan. 20 after a tip led to an operation conducted by Taos County Sheriff’s deputies. The two were wanted out of Potter, Texas on drug possession and distribution charges, according to court records.
However, shortly after being booked in jail for extradition to Texas, the two were released. Garcia was released on Feb. 16 by Magistrate Judge Sara Blankenhorn on personal recognizance with no conditions.
While Mondragon was initially held without bond after his arrest, he was later released along with Garcia on Feb. 16 on the condition that he “will turn himself into authorities in Texas,” according to the conditions of release signed by Magistrate Court Judge Ernest Ortega.
Just six days later, Garcia found herself in trouble with the law again. On Feb. 21, she was arrested after being recognized by law enforcement and attempting to flee the scene. She was charged with aggravated fleeing of law enforcement, resisting or evading arrest, and reckless driving, according to court records.
On Feb. 22, Judge Blankenhorn set conditions of release for Garcia again, but this time with a $5,000 unsecured appearance bond, and on the conditions that she not use drugs or alcohol, maintain contact with her attorney and have “no further arrests.”
However, later that day, Judge Ortega set different conditions of release, putting Garcia on a no bond hold, stating that she may only be released to authorities in Texas.
A second warrant was then issued by the sheriff’s office for Mondragon, who was set for a first appearance before Judge Blankenhorn on March, 3, but failed to appear. A bench warrant was issued immediately. Mondragon is currently at large as of press time.