BERNALILLO, N.M. — A former officer with the Bernalillo Police Department has pleaded guilty in a domestic violence case that surfaced just months after he gained notoriety in a high-profile traffic stop.
Jeramie Nevarez, 29, was arrested by Rio Rancho Police on November 15, 2023, after his girlfriend at the time reported that he restrained her during a heated altercation and prevented her from leaving. According to authorities, the woman texted a neighbor to call 911. Security footage from inside the home corroborated parts of the incident and contributed to Nevarez’s arrest.
Following the arrest, Nevarez spent two days in custody before being released. He was placed on administrative leave and later fired from the Bernalillo Police Department in December 2024, confirmed by Mayor Jack Torres.
Probation and Court-Ordered Programs
As part of his guilty plea in the misdemeanor domestic battery case, a judge sentenced Nevarez to one year of supervised probation. He is also required to complete anger management, a parenting course, and a domestic violence intervention program. Importantly, he is now prohibited from possessing firearms, which marks a significant restriction for a former law enforcement officer.
Controversial Traffic Stop
Nevarez was already under public scrutiny following a high-stress traffic stop in which he allegedly pointed his firearm at a family rushing their injured dog to the vet. The incident was captured on bodycam footage and aired by KRQE Investigates. In the footage, when told about the dog’s emergency, Nevarez responded, “I don’t give a f**.”*
This act of aggression prompted a wave of community criticism and legal action. The ACLU has since taken on the case, and the family involved has announced their intention to sue the Town of Bernalillo.
For more, you can watch the full traffic stop incident on Law&Crime BodyCam.
Pattern of Behavior Raises Red Flags
The recent guilty plea and prior on-duty conduct raise serious concerns about oversight within small-town police departments. Nevarez’s case highlights what many see as a broader pattern of abuse of authority, lack of accountability, and failure to screen officers for temperament and behavior that aligns with public service.
As the lawsuit moves forward, both the public and law enforcement agencies across New Mexico will be watching closely. This case continues to fuel debates around police conduct, transparency, and community trust.
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