NM Attorney General Raúl Torrez Scores Wins on Public Access, Gaming Enforcement, and Child Protection

Alamogordo, NM — New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez has announced several recent actions highlighting his office’s focus on protecting public rights, enforcing state gaming laws, and holding child predators accountable.

In one case, authorities arrested a private landowner accused of repeatedly threatening fishermen on public waters. Erik Michael Briones faces five counts of aggravated assault in San Miguel Magistrate Court. According to the criminal complaint, Briones allegedly brandished firearms and threatened individuals lawfully fishing in or near the Pecos River between April 2023 and March 2026. Witnesses described menacing behavior, including threats of “target practice” near them.

The incidents follow ongoing litigation affirming public access rights to New Mexico’s rivers and streams. The NM Department of Justice previously prevailed in civil cases confirming that the public may recreate in public waters adjacent to private property — a ruling upheld by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. Video footage released by the AG’s office allegedly shows Briones making threats. Torrez stated, “No one has the right to threaten violence against members of the public because they disagree with established law.”

In a separate consumer protection matter, Torrez filed a lawsuit against Kalshi, Inc. and KalshiEX LLC, accusing the company of unlawfully offering online sports betting in New Mexico without proper licensing or regulatory oversight. The suit alleges Kalshi operates a platform functioning as a sportsbook through “event contracts” on sporting events, while bypassing the state’s carefully balanced gaming framework that includes tribal-state compacts and strict regulations.

The complaint further claims Kalshi allowed participation by 18- and 19-year-olds, violating New Mexico’s minimum gaming age of 21. “New Mexico has a longstanding and carefully balanced system for regulating gaming that protects consumers, ensures accountability, and respects tribal sovereignty,” Torrez said. The lawsuit seeks to halt Kalshi’s operations in the state to preserve the integrity of New Mexico’s gaming laws and protect consumers.

Closer to home for many New Mexicans, Torrez’s office secured a conviction against David Chapman, 57, of Gallup. A jury found Chapman guilty of First Degree Criminal Sexual Penetration of a Minor under the age of 13. The victim, a six-year-old family member, disclosed repeated abuse, describing hundreds of incidents of inappropriate touching. Chapman was remanded into custody immediately after the verdict; he faces a minimum of 18 years in prison.

“The sexual abuse of a child is a horrific crime with life-long trauma inflicted upon its victims,” Torrez said. “My office will not tolerate anyone who preys on children.” The NMDOJ assumed prosecution of the case from the McKinley County District Attorney’s Office last year.

These actions demonstrate the Attorney General’s office pursuing enforcement across public access disputes, consumer and regulatory protection, and serious criminal prosecutions.

As reported by Alamogordo Town News, based on official NMDOJ statements and releases. 

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