Judge grants continuance in trafficking case

PORTALES — A district judge granted a continuance to the defense in a drug-trafficking case during a Friday morning docket call.

Chance Plummer, 30, was arrested in April 2016 on charges of trafficking a controlled substance, along with several other Roosevelt County residents.

Ninth Judicial District Court Judge Donna Mowrer granted the continuance after defense attorney James Klipstine cited the need to work out “procedural issues” before the original trial date of March 10.

“If we could get the trial moved to after the third of April, it would allow us to address those procedural issues prior to the actual trial,” said Klipstine.

Mowrer also granted a request to set a firm two-day trial to give defense ample time for presenting evidence.

Assistant District Attorney Jake Boazman said his office anticipated receiving a request to move the trial but asked that time count against the defendant, a request Mowrer granted.

Mowrer told Klipstine to file for a setting date.

Armando Pena, 38, who was also arrested in April, received a continuance from Mowrer for a separate case relating to felony and misdemeanor charges of possession of a controlled substance.

Pena’s attorney, Evan Arendell, cited the reason for the request as “an issue I just happened to come across by happenstance,” asking that the continuance be held against the defense.

Assistant District Attorney Quentin Ray said the state was not opposed to the continuance. Mowrer granted the continuance with time counting against the defense.

Another man arrested in April, Robert Encinias, 30, did not accept a plea offer given Friday on a separate case with charges of trafficking controlled substances, possession of a firearm by a felon, receiving stolen property and use or possession of paraphernalia, according to Boazman.

When asked by Mowrer during his docket call if he had reviewed the plea, Encinias said that he had not to which she replied that he had until 3 p.m. Friday.

Encinias’ trial will take place March 9.

During a docket call for Anthony Ortega, 29, Boazman and defense attorney Tye Harmon were prepared for trial on March 8 for Ortega’s charges of attempted escape from jail, conspiracy to commit escape or attempt to escape from jail and criminal damage to property.

Ortega plotted on escaping the Roosevelt County Detention Center shortly after being arrested in April 2016 for allegedly battering and shooting Portales Police Department Officer Nicholas Laurenz.