Taos prosecutor loses law license after supreme court ruling

The New Mexico Supreme Court permanently removed a Taos prosecutor from the bar on Monday.

The five-justice panel unanimously approved the disbarment of Cosme Ripol, a lawyer with the 8th Judicial District Attorney's Office. The decision took effect immediately. This ends his ability to practice law in the state.

Disciplinary authorities reviewed Ripol's conduct in three criminal cases from 2022 to 2024. In State v. Desiree Lensegrav, the board found he introduced inadmissible evidence. He also used inflammatory language, repeatedly calling the defendant a bruja. The court later vacated Lensegrav's murder conviction.

The review covered two additional murder cases. In State v. Daniel Chavez, Ripol reportedly described the defendant as a killer, a macho man, and a prowling mad dog. In State v. Cruz Castillo, he referred to evidence a Taos District Court judge had previously excluded. That action led to a mistrial.

A hearing committee for the state Supreme Court Disciplinary Board recommended disbarment in July. The court held oral arguments on Oct. 13. Disciplinary counselor Joseph Gonzales argued for the removal. All justices adopted the findings of fact and conclusions of law.

Marcus Montoya, the 8th Judicial District Attorney, issued a statement on Monday. He said the court noted that prosecutors face a higher standard because they seek justice. Montoya stated that this standard was not met despite Ripol's more than thirty years of criminal law experience. He called the decision an unfortunate end to Ripol's career as a defense attorney and prosecutor.