Magistrate Judge Carlos Garza (disciplined)

Garza is currently serving a 90-day suspension with pay while the commission investigates serious allegations against him. The details aren’t known because the high court sealed the file.

In addition, the commission has asked the high court to suspend Garza without pay, force him to undergo urine and hair tests for illegal drugs, and explain why he should not be held in contempt for refusing the commission’s previous demand for the tests, which were sought because of allegations that Garza is using drugs.

The high court has scheduled a public hearing on matters involving Garza for 9 a.m. on Sept. 20 in Santa Fe.

Garza, who is running unopposed for re-election this year, is already on judicial probation after admitting in May to improperly involving himself in a drunken driving case against a woman with whom he had a personal relationship.

His punishment in that case included a $600 fine, which Garza failed to pay by the June 22 deadline, but paid a week later after the commission filed a motion seeking an order requiring Garza to explain why he should not be held in contempt.

Key articles:
• Aug. 30: Magistrate Garza apparently planned to resign until allegations of drug use became public
• Aug. 28: Garza vows to fight, says he’s acting erratic and paranoid because ‘people are out to get me’
• Aug. 24: Many have expressed concern in recent months about Garza’s behavior and alleged drug use
• June 14: Magistrate Garza says admission of guilt was based on ‘economic reasons’
• June 12: High court accepts discipline of Magistrate Garza