Administrative Office of the Courts
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 3, 2021
Contact: Beth Wojahn, communications officer
bwojahn@nmcourts.gov; 505-469-5415
SANTA FE – The New Mexico Magistrate Judges Association has elected new officers and
board members to serve one-year terms.
Colfax County Magistrate Court Judge Warren Walton of Raton was elected president, Eddy
County Magistrate Court Judge Jimmie “Chuck” Foster in Artesia was elected vice-president,
and past association president, Los Alamos County Magistrate Court Judge Pat A. Casados was
selected as secretary/treasurer. Retired Valencia County Magistrate Judge Tina Garcia will serve
as the pro term board member.
“The past presidents have done an exemplary job. I and the association board intend to keep the
hard work going by supporting legislation that supports magistrates and the whole judiciary,”
said Judge Walton.
Board members are:
Judge Cynthia Sanders, Gallup.
Judge Karen Mitchell, Roy.
Judge Jimmie Jones, Eunice.
Judge Maurine Laney, Silver City.
Judge Clipper Miller, Hobbs.
Judge Shawn Burns, Clovis.
Judge Christopher Mitchell, Portales.
Judge Christopher Baca, Santa Rosa.
Judge John Chavez, Belen.
Judge Buddy Hall, Ft. Sumner.
Judge Mickie Vega, Carrizozo.
Judge Felix Pena, Springer.
Judge Katie Lund, Ruidoso.
Judge Stacey Biel, Aztec.
Judge Delilah Montaño-Baca, Bernalillo.
In 1970, the association was established as a nonprofit organization and its activities include
advocating for legislation and court funding. Officers and board members were elected at the
annual Magistrate Judges Conference held virtually late last month.
New Mexico has 67 magistrate court judges. Magistrate courts have limited jurisdiction and
handle traffic violations, misdemeanors, DWI cases, and civil actions up to $10,000.
Newly elected NM Magistrate Judges Association president Colfax County
Magistrate Judge Warren Walton of Raton, NM.
###
