Former judge Steve Guthrie's resignation: what we know

Former Otero County Magistrate Judge Steve Guthrie resigned as Otero County Magistrate Judge on April 25.

Guthrie permanently resigned from his position as magistrate judge as part of a stipulation to prevent further disciplinary proceedings as ordered by the New Mexico State Supreme Court following a judicial misconduct hearing.

Guthrie was accused of 26 counts of judicial misconduct including improper sentences and incarceration for defendants, improper bail issuance, failure to complete required paperwork, engaging in judicial activities without proper jurisdiction, judicial misconduct and violation of a defendant's right to due process.

Disciplinary action against Guthrie included a 30-day suspension without pay was ordered on October 29, 2021.

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The New Mexico Supreme Court unsealed the case on Oct. 29.

On March 24, the Judicial Standards Commission filed a petition with the stipulation that Guthrie resign in lieu of further disciplinary proceedings.

"Although the title page says that document was filed under seal, the document was not sealed and was available publicly that day because the entire case had been unsealed back in October 2021," Administrative Office of the Courts spokesman Barry Massey said. "When the commission initially files a disciplinary case with the Supreme Court, the filing is sealed until the Court orders it unsealed and accessible to the public. As explained above, that happened in October 2021."

More:Steve Guthrie resigns as Otero County magistrate judge following misconduct inquiry

In Guthrie's absence, cases that would have been assigned to him were being assigned to judges including those outside the 12th Judicial District, Massey said.

With 2022 being an election year, there are three candidates for Guthrie's Magistrate Court Division I seat.

These candidates are Hannah Burleson, Warren Robinson and John Secrest, III. All three will be on the New Mexico Primary ballot.

In the interim, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is expected to appoint a new magistrate judge per state statute.

From 2019:Otero County Judge Guthrie censured by Supreme Court for misconduct against neighbor

"The governor shall fill vacancies in the office of magistrate by appointment of persons who possess the personal qualifications established by law to serve until the next general election," the statute states.

Nicole Maxwell can be contacted by email at nmaxwell@alamogordonews.com, by phone at 575-415-6605 or on Twitter at @nicmaxreporter. If you have questions about your subscription, please contact Customer Service at  AlamogordoDailyNews@Gannett.com or call 1-877-301-0013.