HULL OVERSAW NEARLY $2 MILLION IN SETTLEMENTS FOR ALLEGED POLICE MISCONDUCT AS MAYOR

While Hull claimed to improve public safety in Rio Rancho, at least 16 law enforcement disputes were settled during his tenure

ALBUQUERQUE – Today, the Democratic Party of New Mexico exposed that despite campaigning for governor on a public safety platform, Gregg Hull’s tenure as Rio Rancho mayor shows a pattern of sweeping police misconduct and civil rights issues under the rug—costing nearly $2 million.

According to records from the City of Rio Rancho, the New Mexico Self-Insurers’ Fund (NMSIF) paid out $1,927,250 on behalf of the City across 16 major settlements during Hull’s tenure as mayor:

• 8 settlements involved death, severe injury, or immediate physical danger allegedly precipitated by law enforcement.

• 4 settlements involved officers allegedly falsifying records or misrepresenting facts to avoid accountability.

• 6 settlements alleged false imprisonment or wrongful detention.

“Gregg Hull spent his time as mayor cutting ribbons and sweeping allegations of serious law enforcement abuse under the rug,” said Mila Myles, spokeswoman for the Democratic Party of New Mexico. “From wrongful deaths to civil rights violations, Hull’s failure to hold bad actors accountable not only cost $2 million, but it shows he cannot be trusted to keep New Mexico communities safe. Our state deserves leadership that builds real trust and safety, not a governor who turns a blind eye to misconduct.”

Egregious settlement cases under Hull’s administration include:

• Estate of Juneanne Fannell ($400,000): A wrongful death suit settled after Rio Rancho police performed a wellness check and left the scene despite the caretaker threatening the victim's life in front of the police officers; the caretaker murdered her hours later.

• Ruben Griego ($565,000): Settled after a Rio Rancho police officer swerved and crashed head-on into a civilian vehicle, causing severe physical injuries.

• Stephanie Breezee ($195,000): Officers entered a residence without probable cause, allegedly assaulted a mother, and arrested her in front of her young children on Christmas Day.

• Abdul Wakil Cyeef-Din ($50,000): A practicing Muslim technician was detained while performing cell tower testing and searched for 3.5 hours before being released without any charges being filed.

To learn more about Deb Haaland’s public safety and community trust initiatives, visit DebHaaland.com.