Bernadine Martin Resigns as District Attorney Ahead of Removal Hearing

AG: New Mexico Press Releases

Filed February 27th, 2026

Detected March 18th, 2026

Summary

The New Mexico Department of Justice announced the resignation of District Attorney Bernadine Martin ahead of a removal hearing. The NMDOJ initiated the action due to operational failures, including deficiencies in case oversight and administrative management, which jeopardized public safety.

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What changed

Bernadine Martin, District Attorney for the Eleventh Judicial District in New Mexico, has resigned from her position following an action initiated by the New Mexico Department of Justice (NMDOJ) seeking her removal. The NMDOJ's investigation uncovered significant operational failures, including issues with case oversight, prosecutorial decision-making, and administrative management, which were deemed to have jeopardized public safety and eroded confidence in the justice system. The NMDOJ has also assumed responsibility for prosecuting over 30 serious felony cases previously handled by Martin's office.

This resignation effectively concludes the NMDOJ's removal action against Martin. The NMDOJ will continue to work with local law enforcement and community stakeholders to stabilize the District Attorney's office and strengthen prosecutorial standards. The focus now shifts to the appointment of a new District Attorney and the ongoing prosecution of serious felony cases, underscoring the importance of accountability and operational integrity within the justice system. Regulated entities, particularly those within the legal and governmental sectors, should note the NMDOJ's commitment to rigorous oversight and enforcement in cases of prosecutorial misconduct.

What to do next

Monitor appointment of new District Attorney for the Eleventh Judicial District.
Review NMDOJ's stated commitment to strengthening prosecutorial standards and operational integrity.

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Bernadine Martin Resigns as District Attorney Following NMDOJ Removal Action

February 27, 2026

Santa Fe, NM – The New Mexico Department of Justice announced that Bernadine Martin has resigned from her position as District Attorney for the Eleventh Judicial District, Division II, ahead of a hearing before the New Mexico Supreme Court seeking her removal from office.

The NMDOJ initiated the action after uncovering operational failures within the Eleventh Judicial District Attorney’s Office. Over the course of the litigation, the NMDOJ compiled more than 7,000 pages of documents and conducted interviews and depositions with more than two dozen witnesses — including current and former staff, local judges, law enforcement officers, and victims of crime. The evidence demonstrated significant deficiencies in case oversight, prosecutorial decision-making, and administrative management that jeopardized public safety and eroded confidence in the justice system.

“DA Martin’s resignation is an important step in restoring the public’s faith in the criminal justice system in McKinley County,” said Attorney General Raúl Torrez. “Being a prosecutor confers great power and even greater responsibility on those privileged enough to serve in that role and the case we brought against DA Martin should be a stark reminder of just how seriously we take that responsibility.”

In addition to leading the removal effort for DA Martin, the NMDOJ has also been assuming primary responsibility for the prosecution of more than 30 serious felony offenses, including multiple unresolved homicide, sexual assault and child abuse cases. Stepping in to prosecute these cases reflects the NMDOJ’s commitment not only to accountability, but to restructuring and stabilizing the office so it can better serve the people of McKinley County.

As we await the appointment of a new District Attorney in McKinley County, the NMDOJ will continue working alongside local law enforcement, victims, and community stakeholders to strengthen prosecutorial standards, restore operational integrity, and support a path forward that renews confidence in the district attorney’s office.