Local public defender tests negative for COVID-19

CLOVIS — A local public defender who self-quarantined after experiencing flu-like symptoms has tested negative for COVID-19.

That’s according to a spokeswoman for the New Mexico Law Offices of the Public Defender, Maggie Shepard.

District Attorney Andrea Reeb said an assistant district attorney who also self-quarantined as a precaution was not tested and has never felt ill. The ADA never stopped working from home.

Shepard said the public defender has also returned to work, mostly from home like many New Mexico residents, as directed by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham.

Both attorneys self-quarantined following a court appearance on March 17 as a precaution.

“(A)n attorney arrived at the courthouse and self-reported” his illness, said 9th Judicial District Court Executive Officer Kevin Spears.

“Judge (Matt) Chandler immediately cancelled the hearing and advised the attorney to leave the courthouse and contact his supervisor for further instruction.”

Names of the attorneys have not been released.