ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – It’s a scary reality for students and parents with teenagers bringing guns onto school campuses. West Mesa High School saw so many incidents of guns on campuses that the Albuquerque Police Department Chief, Albuquerque mayor, and Bernalillo County District Attorney spoke about the problem outside the school. However, Omar Martinez, arrested for having a gun on campus last October, was given a huge break at sentencing.
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The state asked the judge to give the 19-year-old 18 months behind bars and one year of probation. “The danger of bringing a firearm to school especially as a student in a classroom really presents an intolerable risk of the safety of others,” said State Prosecutor India Trummer.
In October 2023, Martinez was one of two students arrested for having a gun on campus at West Mesa High School. “The defendant in this case was in his classroom with a firearm on his person,” said Trummer.
Police found Martinez had a fully loaded handgun with a round in the chamber as well as 22 more bullets in his bag. “The defendant in this case was in his classroom with a firearm on his person,” said Trummer.
Martinez’s defense said he has taken responsibility for what he did. “We want to get him out. Get his diploma. Let him do some probation and earn another chance at freedom,” said Defense Attorney Adam Oakey.
Martinez spoke Thursday at his sentencing, “I’m not a drug addict or troublemaker. I don’t have a criminal history. I’m just a kid that made a mistake and I hope to be released to get back out with my family.”
Judge Bruce Fox gave Martinez a conditional discharge after six months behind bars. “The six-month period of incarceration is sufficient to send a message to both Mr. Martinez and the community that there is consequences for doing this,” said Judge Fox.
Martinez was given two years probation and must have a full-time job while out or go to school full-time. He faces two years in prison if he violates any of his conditions.
