District Attorney: Bonem cornerstone of justice system

District Attorney Matt Chandler said David "Bill" Bonem's tough stance on crime made him want to become a district attorney.

"Judge Bonem has been a cornerstone of our justice system for the past 40 years," Chandler said. "I don't think anyone can truly imagine the amount of people he has had an impact on by and through his work in the criminal justice system."

A former public defender, district attorney and district judge, Bonem attended a ceremony Friday afternoon that named the conference room at the district attorney's office in Clovis after him.

Tony Bullocks: CMI Staff Photo

Sitting, from left, during the dedication Friday of the David W. Bonem conference room are Meriellen Bonem, David Bonem, Caleb Chandler and Donna Chandler.

Bonem, of Portales, started a career of public service as New Mexico's first public defender, in which he provided counsel to indigent persons charged with crimes in New Mexico state courts.

"I'm very humbled by this," said Bonem, beaming. "I certainly didn't expect this. It's quite an honor. I'm very happy."

"Matt Chandler has done an excellent job in putting this together."

While serving as district attorney, Bonem established the first Juvenile Jury, now known as Teen Court, in New Mexico to educate youth about the criminal justice system and the consequences of committing a crime. At the time, it was one of three in the nation.

He also established the first Worthless Check Program in the 9th Judicial District, designed to protect, educate, and provide proper restitution to local merchants.

Curry County Commissioner Caleb Chandler worked closely with Bonem for 15 years, while Chandler was the chief of detectives at the Clovis Police Department. He said they worked on cases together from the crime scene and followed them through to the prosecution in the courtroom.

"He was great to work with, very effective and thorough in his prosecution cases," Chandler said.

In addition to naming of the David W. Bonem Conference Room, Bonem was presented and read a congratulatory letter from Gov. Susana Martinez for his years of service. Also, Clovis City Commissioner Len Vohs of Clovis read a proclamation declaring the day David W. Bonem Day.

In attendance at the ceremony were his wife, Merriellen, members and staff from the local judiciary, and current and past law enforcement officers who worked with Bonem when he was district attorney.

Bonem worked with Youth Opportunities Unlimited, including but not limited to his work with Bruce's Home and the House of Rest Program, a foster program for runaway youths, after school student center for kids and Big Brothers and Sisters.

In 2006, Bonem and Merriellen opened the Bonem Home in Portales, which offers residential counseling to children with post-traumatic mental health disabilities.

"They participate in fundraising and are still very influential with the community support," said Carmilla Lopez, the Bonem Home clinical coordinator.

"He has done so much for our legal community, and this is just a small way to pay tribute to him," Chandler said.