Former Las Cruces Judge, Wife Arrested and Freed Accused of Harboring alleged Tren de Aragua Gang Members

A former judge and his wife were arrested and are facing accusations ans charges of hosting alleged Tren de Aragua gang members in their Las Cruces home. Each have posted bail and are out of jail.

According to Dona Ana County jail records, former Dona Ana County Magistrate Judge Joel Cano, 67, and his wife, Nancy Cano, 68, bonded out and have been released from custody.

As part of their release deal, the Canos cannot leave Dona Ana County and must ask for proof of citizenship or legal residency in the US when hosting anyone at any of their homes or properties. Each were released on a $10,000 bond.  The couple has agreed also not to have contact with Ortega-Lopez and is prohibited from leaving Doña Ana County if out on bond.

Judge Gregory J. Fouratt ordered that anyone who is a tenant at their multiple properties or a guest in their home must provide proof of citizenship or legal residency in the United States.

The two are facing charges regarding evidence tampering after federal authorities allege that they hosted suspected members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua in their home, including Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, who was arrested at their residence in February. Ortega-Lopez is accused of being in the country illegally.

Nancy Cano is accused of discussing the deletion of Ortega-Lopez's Facebook account, which investigators said he used to share incriminating content.

Authorities said Joel Cano admitted to destroying Ortega-Lopez's cellphone by smashing it with a hammer, believing it contained incriminating photos and videos..

All firearms and ammunition have been removed from their home by their son, according to the couple.

The Cano family declined to comment with AlamogordoTownNews.org on the case, and the date for the next hearing has not yet been set. 

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