James Nelson, one of three men who have been the focus of a series of criminal acts that surrounded the shooting death of Hatch Police Officer Jose Chavez, now faces additional drug charges filed by Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Department detectives.
A search warrant of the silver 1991 Lexus that was stopped by Officer Chavez on Friday, Aug. 12 led detectives to the discovery of a cache of methamphetamine and marijuana. The evidence was enough to charge Nelson, 36, with trafficking by possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Tony Jones, 44, was a passenger in the rear of the Lexus which was reportedly driven by Jesse Hanes, 38. Jones has also been charged with possession of methamphetamine and paraphernalia.
At the time of the traffic stop in Hatch, Hanes and Nelson were fugitives out of Ohio who detectives learned had outstanding warrants for aggravated murder.
A fellow Hatch Police officer said he was assisting Officer Chavez when he saw Hanes shoot Chavez through the passenger-side window.
Chavez died Friday night during surgery.
Hanes went on to steal a red Chevy Cruze from a rest area near Radium Springs. Prior to speeding away from the rest area, Hanes allegedly shot the motorist in the Cruze. The victim of that crime was reportedly traveling through the area from Albuquerque. He was transported to University Medical Center in El Paso where he was treated and released late Monday.
Sheriff’s deputies subsequently arrested Hanes after a pursuit with the Cruze, and discovered Hanes had a gunshot wound to the upper right thigh. The investigation revealed the wound was self-inflicted. Hanes remained hospitalized Tuesday evening in El Paso.
Additional federal charges were filed against Hanes Tuesday.
Funeral services for Officer Chavez are scheduled for 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 21 at the Pan American Center in Las Cruces. The public is invited to attend.
Information from Dona Ana County