May 8, 2024
Roosevelt County Food Pantry Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting
May 3, 2024
Celebrating the Unsung Heroes
PORTALES, NM – The Roosevelt County Board of Commission adopted a proclamation during their regular commission meeting observing May 5-11, 2024 as National Correctional Employees Week. The Commissioners called upon all citizens of Roosevelt County and upon all patriotic, civic and educational organizations to observe the first full week of May as National Correctional Employees Week in honor of those correctional employees, whom deserve recognition, respect, and appreciation for ensuring that the detention facility and functions are operated safely and humanely.
There are 32 full-time positions at the Roosevelt County Detention Center, which is operated 24 hours a day all year.
Here are some highlights from staff members who were asked to reflect on their roles:
March 8, 2024
Roosevelt County Honors Detainee for Earning His G.E.D. During Detainment
Portales, NM – The Roosevelt County Board of Commissioners recognized the hard work and achievement of Ronnie Lujan, Jr. at their February meeting. Lujan earned his G.E.D. during detainment at the Roosevelt County Detention Center (RCDC). In addition to Lujan, Ramon Tarango also earned his G.E.D. while at the facility. Both individuals were invited to attend the Commission meeting to be honored for their achievements. The Commission presented Lujan with a certificate of achievement and also presented his official high school equivalency credential. Lujan’s support network of family and friends were present to support him.
“I took GED classes years ago and quit, but decided to try again while in detention – I’m the first male in my family to graduate high school,” stated Lujan. “I wanted to make my mom proud and I’m hoping that my brothers will now also be inspired to pursue their G.E.D. again and finish what they started.”
Leadership at RCDC began working to provide G.E.D. classes in December 2021. The program was finally approved and implemented in September 2022. To-date, more than 20 detainees have elected to participate and enroll in classes. Currently there are four working towards their G.E.D.
The Accredited Roosevelt County Detention Center has focused on adding extensive programing, educational opportunities and comprehensive treatment programs, to include Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) over the past three years.
Jan. 22, 2024
Roosevelt County Recognized for Audit Accountability
FY2022 Audit and Accountability Awards to Counties
SANTA FE, NM – New Mexico Counties and the Office of the State Auditor selected Chaves, Curry, Doña Ana, Eddy, Lea, Los Alamos, McKinley, Roosevelt, and Sandoval Counties as recipients for the annual Audit and Accountability Awards and San Juan County for continued excellence. The awards were presented at the NMC 2024 Legislative Conference Thursday, January 18, 2024. The awards are given in recognition to large, mid-size, and small counties for outstanding work on their audits, submitting timely audits, and sustaining excellence with the highest audit opinions. An unmodified opinion is the best opinion that can be given and means that the financial statements are presented fairly by following generally accepted accounting principles.
A good audit reflects a county’s strong finance department, elected officials, and management. Roosevelt County is receiving their seventh consecutive audit award! They continue their financial management excellence with zero findings and an unmodified opinion.
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June 21, 2023
Roosevelt County Adult Detention Center
Reaccreditation by Adult Detention Professional Standards Council
Pictured L to R: Lieutenant Victor Mares, NMC Executive Director Joy Esparsen, MAT Program Manager Kris Paulus, Vice President Curry County Clerk Annie Hogland, Lieutenant Clay Layher, Past President Bernalillo County Clerk Linda Stover, Officer Heather Brockman, President Elect Eddy County Sheriff Mark Cage, Officer Dorothy Minor, President Valencia County Commissioner Jhonathan Aragon, and Officer James Burris.
SANTA FE, NM – The Adult Detention Professional Standards Council (ADPSC) awarded another three-year Certificate of Reaccreditation to the Roosevelt County Adult Detention Center during the New Mexico Counties 86th Annual Conference on June 15, 2023, in Farmington. The accreditation is effective March 9, 2023 – March 8, 2026. The detention center has been accredited since January 2017. The Certificate of Reaccreditation is awarded to those county detention facilities that continue to meet or exceed best practice standards in detention, as developed and approved by the ADPSC.
“The Detention Center leadership and team members continue to meet and exceed all the required standards to sustain this high level of achievement in this accreditation,” stated County Manager Amber Hamilton. “We’re so thankful to have a dedicated, caring and committed team serving Roosevelt County in this challenging environment.”
A joint initiative between NMC and the New Mexico Municipal League, ADPSC’s mission is to enhance the professionalism, uniformity, and consistency in the operation of detention facilities in New Mexico. To date, 10 counties have attained accreditation status.
News Release on Governors Conference Call
Portales, NM – Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s Office contacted New Mexico Counties to facilitate a conference call with representatives from county commissions on Friday. All 33 counties were invited to participate, and Roosevelt County was one of several on the call. Roosevelt County Chair Shane Lee and Vice Chair Matthew Hunton both received an invitation to participate. The call was informational in nature, and the Governor said a similar call with cities was scheduled in the following week.
To read more click on the following link:
http://www.therooseveltreview.com/counties-and-governors-conference-call/
Congratulations Team Roosevelt!
Roosevelt County, New Mexico was selected as Wellpath’s Southwest facility of the month for being a true partner. Together, they strive to provide exceptional heal our patient population. This challenging environment takes a team approach from all that work within the correctional environment. The Roosevelt County Detention Center leadership team works closely with the medical leadership team to improve the health and well being of our patients. All staff at Roosevelt County has embodied our slogan “To hope and healing.” An example of this commitment to hope and healing took place on the evening of December 24, 2018. Michelle Gray, RN was conducting intake screenings within the jail when a detainee quickly started showing signs and symptoms of active opiate overdose. Michelle and Lieutenant Vigil acted quickly to start the Narcan overdose protocol and delivered lifesaving care while waiting for EMS. Without question, their 
training and teamwork saved this individual’s life.
Teamwork WORKS!
February 5, 2019
Pictured L to R: Commissioners Paul Grider, Shane Lee, Tina Dixon and Dennis Lopez,
County Manager Amber Hamilton and NM State Auditor Brian Colón.
New Mexico Counties and NM State Auditor
FY 2017 Audit and Accountability Awards to Counties
SANTA FE, NM – New Mexico Counties and State Auditor Brian Colón selected Doña Ana, San Juan, Chaves, Curry, Lincoln, McKinley, Roosevelt, Guadalupe, Los Alamos, and Harding Counties for the annual Audit and Accountability Awards that were presented at the NMC Legislative Conference Thursday, January 17, 2019. In addition, a new award was given to the county that performs with continued audit excellence. The awards are given in recognition to large, mid-size, and small counties along with the most improved county, that have done outstanding work on their audits, submitted their audits in a timely manner, and have sustained excellence with the highest audit opinions. An unmodified opinion is the best opinion that can be given, and means that the financial statements are presented fairly in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
The following counties received the FY2017 Audit & Accountability Awards:
Large County Audit Achievement
Doña Ana County – Third time recipient, seven years without an audit finding
San Juan County – Fourth time recipient, no findings
Mid-Size County Audit Achievement
Chaves County – Third time recipient, one finding and an unmodified opinion
Curry County – Second time recipient, one finding and an unmodified opinion
May 8, 2018
County Fights Back Against Illegal Dumping
Portales, NM – The Roosevelt County Board of Commissioners, Sheriff’s Office and Road Department have noted an uptick in illegal dumping and are asking residents to assist in curbing this problem. Illegal dumping can create serious environmental concerns and threaten natural resources. If anyone has any information or has seen any illegal dumping, please contact the Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office at 575.356.4408 or CrimeStoppers at 575.356.8100. CrimeStoppers is offering a reward of up to $500 for information leading to charges and the conviction of any person dumping illegally in the County or City. A person can be charged with a misdemeanor for littering and fined up to $300 if convicted, as well as being required to clean up the refuse or restitution may be sought.
“My office will actively pursue charges against anyone caught or suspected of illegal dumping as it is becoming a serious problem again in Roosevelt County,” stated Sheriff Malin Parker. “This is costing our taxpayers too much money to clean up.”
The City of Portales operates the Convenience Center, 1230 N Avon, at the corner of Kaywood and Avon Streets. All commercial, county residents and those not paying for City garbage services are charged a tipping fee. The Convenience Center hours of operation are Monday – Friday 8 am to 4:30 pm and Saturday – Sunday 1 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., and closed on holidays. For more information on the Convenience Center call 575.356.8664.
“The County is exploring several options to reduce illegal dumping as this is a significant concern for many residents,” added County Manager Amber Hamilton. “We are considering video surveillance, have applied for grants to assist in used tire disposal, and are hoping to partner closely with residents as well.”
The County plans to begin mapping and actively tracking illegal dump sites. To report an illegal dump site within the County, please contact the Administrative Offices at 356.5307.
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July 25, 2017
Sheriff recall petition stopped in district court
PORTALES — A petition seeking the recall of Roosevelt County Sheriff Malin Parker was stopped by a district court judge Tuesday.
The petition, submitted by Portales attorney Eric Dixon on behalf of criminal defendants Cody Banister and Armando Pena, as well as the mother of a woman killed in a car chase involving police, was denied in a hearing in the Roosevelt County Courthouse.
The hearing gave Dixon a chance to prove that Parker intentionally made false statements regarding the reliability of an informant who led to the arrests of Pena and Banister.
Roosevelt County Attorney Randy Knudson, representing Parker, filed a motion to dismiss the petition, which was granted by Judge Fred Van Soelen.
“The petition process, case law states, is not to be used as a means of harassment for purely political or personal reasons,” Van Soelen said.
“I’m not making a pronouncement, but this comes close to being, as far as I can tell, either a harassment measure or a personal vendetta.”
Van Soelen noted that the petitioners all have pending criminal charges as a result of Parker or are related to people who do.
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May 22, 2017
The Roosevelt County Road Department will be chip sealing South Roosevelt Road 6 between Kilgore and New Mexico 88 beginning on Wednesday, May 24, 2017 weather permitting. Chip sealing work will continue to South Roosevelt Road 4 between Kilgore and South Roosevelt Road P; and South Roosevelt Road 3 between NM 467 and South Roosevelt Road S. This work is anticipated to be completed by June 8, 2017. Motorists will be encouraged to seek alternative routes and will be asked to slow down through the construction zone. You can contact County Administration at 356-5307 if you need additional information.
May 17, 2017
The Roosevelt County Road Department will be chip sealing South Roosevelt Road 8 between South Roosevelt Road G and New Mexico 88, on Thursday, May 18, 2017. Motorists are encouraged to seek alternative routes and will be asked to slow down through the construction zone. You can contact County Administration at 356-5307 if you need additional information.
May 11, 2017
The Roosevelt County Road Department will be chip sealing South Roosevelt Road 12 between South Roosevelt Road P and New Mexico 206, beginning Tuesday, May 16, 2017. The road work is projected to be completed by Wednesday, May 17, 2017. Motorists are encouraged to seek alternative routes and will be asked to slow down through the construction zone. You can contact County Administration at 356-5307 if you need additional information.
May 11, 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Amber Hamilton
Phone: 575.356.5307
Email: ahamilton@rooseveltcounty.com
Roosevelt County Commissioner Elected to New Mexico County Association of Counties Board of Directors
Portales, NM – Roosevelt County Commissioner Dennis Lopez will represent Roosevelt County on the New Mexico Association of Counties Board of Directors.
County Clerk DeAun Searl said Lopez will serve a two-year term beginning June 23, 2017 representing the County during association board meetings.
“It is my pleasure to serve on the New Mexico Association of Counties Board of Directors and represent our elected officials and County personnel,” Lopez stated. “I was able to serve on the board during my time as a commissioner from 2000-2008 and Roosevelt County residents can be confident that I will represent them to the best of my ability.”
The association board consists of representatives from all 33 counties as well as some other county bodies. Board members have final authority over association policies, budgets, the hiring and supervision of the executive director and legislative priorities
The association is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization formed in 1968 to promote the interest of county governments.
May 10, 2017
Roosevelt County Manager Appointed to New Mexico Association of Counties Adult Detention Standards Program Council
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Roosevelt County Manager Amber Hamilton has been appointed to the New Mexico Adult Detention Professional Standards Program Council. The New Mexico Adult Detention Professional Standards program is a joint initiative of the New Mexico Association of Counties and the New Mexico Municipal League. The council oversees and monitors New Mexico County Detention Standards, which consists of 208 standards in the following areas of operations: Security, Medical, Detainee Programs, Physical Plant, Safety and Sanitation, and Administration. The council’s functions are to ensure New Mexico County Detention Centers are meeting Detention Standards; and provide an accreditation program consisting of an auditing process for detention facilities to include assistance and resources on meeting the 208 operating standards. Facilities must pass the initial accreditation audit followed by a renewal accreditation audit every three years.
“Through my involvement at the Roosevelt County Detention Center, I’ve developed a passion and deep appreciation for detention. The team worked diligently to earn this accreditation for Roosevelt County and I was fortunate to be involved in the process. I’ve learned so much and felt it would be a great time to get involved at the state level,” stated Hamilton.
Roosevelt County received their initial three year accreditation during the New Mexico Association of Counties Legislative Conference in January.
“Because of the dedication of the Detention team and our County Manager’s leadership, they earned this accreditation. This appointment reflects Amber’s ability and hard work and we are very blessed to have her,” stated Commission Chairman Paul Grider.
Please contact Roosevelt County Administration offices at 575.356.5307 for more information.
April 18, 2017
The Roosevelt County Road Department will be closing Spruce Street from US Highway 70 to North Boston as Burlington Northern Santa Fe will be doing maintenance. The crossing will be closed from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday April 18, 2017. Motorists will need to seek alternative routes. You can contact County Administration at 356-5307 if you need additional information.
April 14, 2017
Roosevelt County Manager Serving on Statewide Juvenile Justice Iniatitive Task Force
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Roosevelt County Manager Amber Hamilton has been selected to service on the Statewide Juvenile Justice Initiative Task Force. The Task Force convened its first meeting April 13, 2017 in Albuquerque, and anticipates meeting two additional times in 2017.
“I am extremely honored to serve on this Task Force to help represent Eastern New Mexico as well as counties,” Hamilton stated. “The first meeting helped to establish the format, expectations, and mission of the Task Force. It was an extremely productive meeting and I’m excited to serve and ensure the needs of the state’s rural areas are considered.”
Hamilton added she will be reaching out to other County Managers, elected officials and various individuals throughout Eastern New Mexico to explain the purpose of this task force and seek their input for this process.
“It is amazing to have our great State selected for this technical assistance grant; there were many leaders throughout all three branches of government that worked diligently to secure this grant including Justice Vigil and Secretary Jacobson,” Hamilton stated. “This research will be based upon extensive data analysis, and with the assistance of the Council of State Governments Justice Center, this Task Force will be able to oversee this initiate, provide strategic direction, and recommend policy and legislative initiatives for New Mexico to continue to enhance juvenile justice.”
April 13, 2017
NM Launches Statewide Juvenile Justice Improvement Initiative
Initiative Geared to Help Strengthen Public Safety and Improve Outcomes for New Mexico’s Youth
ALBUQUERQUE — Today, New Mexico Supreme Court Justice Barbara J. Vigil joined Children, Youth and Families Secretary Monique Jacobson, and leaders from all three branches of government to announce the launch of the Juvenile Justice Improvement Initiative Taskforce which will perform a comprehensive review of New Mexico’s juvenile justice system in an effort to strengthen public safety and improve outcomes for youth in the state.
“Through this task force we hope to assess how state and local resources are being used to create better outcomes for the youth who are in our juvenile system,” Gov. Martinez said. “Ensuring Public safety is also very important and is something that will also be assessed through this task force.”
April 11, 2017
ROAD CLOSURE PUBLIC NOTICE
The Roosevelt County Road Department will be working on South Roosevelt Road 12 between South Roosevelt Road P and New Mexico 206, beginning Wednesday, April 12, 2017. The road work is projected to be completed by May 3, 2017. Motorists are encouraged to seek alternative routes and will be asked to slow down through the construction zone. You can contact County Administration at 356-5307 if you need additional information.
March 24, 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Portales, NM – The Roosevelt County Board of Commissioners is pleased to give the public notice that the Honorable United States District Judge James O. Browning on March 13, 2017 dismissed former Roosevelt County employee Keith Parrish’s federal claims in his lawsuit against Roosevelt County. Mr. Parrish asserted federal claims pursuant to the Fair Labor Standards Act which were dismissed with prejudice, thereby determining that the claims were without merit.
Commission Chairman Paul Grider stated “The Roosevelt County Board of Commissioners has publicly voted to aggressively defend against claims brought against Roosevelt County which lack merit such as the federal claim filed by Keith Parrish. The goal of the Roosevelt County Board of Commissioners is to deter frivolous lawsuits and to save taxpayer dollars. We’re very pleased that Honorable Judge James O. Browning has dismissed this meritless federal claim with prejudice.”
January 27, 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Roosevelt County Detention Center Awarded Certificate of Accreditation by Adult Detention Professional Standards Council
Santa Fe, New Mexico – The Adult Detention Professional Standards Council (ADPSC) awarded a three (3) year Certificate of Accreditation to Roosevelt County Adult Detention Center on January 1, 2017. The award was presented during the New Mexico Association of Counties’ (NMAC) 2017 Legislative Conference on January 19, 2017 in Santa Fe, NM. The Certificate of Accreditation is awarded to those county detention facilities which meet or exceed best practice standards in detention, as developed and approved by the ADPSC. The standards were developed for New Mexico jail facilities based on suggested best practices from detention facilities across the nation. NMAC Executive Director Steve Kopelman said, “The Adult Detention Professional Standards Council has developed uncompromising, yet attainable, professional standards for detention facilities in New Mexico.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Amber Hamilton
Phone: 575.356.5307
Email: ahamilton@rooseveltcounty.com
Roosevelt County Responds to Frivolous Action
Portales, NM – Roosevelt County Administration notifies the public that the Petition to Remove Roosevelt County Sheriff Malin Parker in its opinion is a frivolous action which has been filed by attorney Eric Dixon without legal basis or justification. Allegations which form the basis of the Petition were thoroughly investigated by an impartial and independent law enforcement agency which cleared Sheriff Malin Parker of any wrongdoing. Fifth Judicial District Attorney Dianna Luce concluded after reviewing all of the information surrounding these allegations that there was no basis to pursue any cause of action against Sheriff Parker. In addition, the New Mexico statutes relied upon by Mr. Dixon in filing his frivolous Petition contemplate that the action is initiated by presentment to the grand jury which did not occur in this case.