Jury finds Bernalillo County Sheriff’s deputy not guilty of all charges

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – A jury has found Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Deputy Michael Borrecco not guilty of all charges. Borrecco was accused of being drunk and pulling a gun on Michael Ruiz and Deaven Carey at Circle K on Osuna while off-duty in January 2024.

Prosecutors argued Borrecco bought vodka at the Circle K. They say he drank in his truck, then committed assault when he pulled out his gun on the two men. Borrecco’s lawyers argued he was trying to protect the city, and the men knew they were dealing with a law enforcement officer and failed to comply with a legitimate order.

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The jury started deliberating on Thursday afternoon before coming back with a verdict on Friday afternoon. Borrecco was facing charges of one count of aggravated assault and negligent use of a deadly weapon.

After the verdict came forth, Borrecco broke down into tears. His attorney called the case “political.”

“We think that from the beginning, we said it was a political prosecution because of all of the stuff going on with the APD and the scandal , that they were going to try a deputy who was just doing his job that night to try to send a statement. We’re glad that the jury saw past that,” stated Jerry Archuletta.

Borrecco did not comment on the acquittal as he’s amidst a pending administrative matter.

The Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office declined to comment on the verdict.

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