Garcia’s Violent Past Resurfaces | Santa Fe News

A former gang member with four felony convictions and a history of misconduct in public safety roles was hired by New Mexico’s Department of Health for a violence prevention position—only to be fired within two weeks. His troubled past includes a 2024 battery conviction, a prior resignation from Albuquerque after admitting to bringing a registered sex offender into schools, and a lack of transparency when confronted by reporters. Despite apologizing for his actions, Garcia remains silent on the matter, leaving questions about how such a high-risk hire slipped through the cracks—and whether the system is truly prepared to protect communities from those with a track record of harm. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/60a8c599b7872f0d