Staff Reports

ALBUQUERQUE — Attorney General Hector Balderas secured the preventative detention of Mario Morales, a man accused of human trafficking, kidnapping, criminal sexual penetration, false imprisonment and more Dec. 14.

The New Mexico Office of the Attorney General successfully extradited Morales, following his arrest in Arizona last month. Following the NMOAG’s preventative detention motion in November, Morales was indicted on more 15 charges, 14 of them felonies.

“Serial offenders who harm New Mexicans need to be behind bars, if they pose a risk to our community,” Balderas said. “We are prepared to seek justice for the family who has been harmed.”

In addition to the above charges, Morales faces charges of false imprisonment, aggravated battery against a household member, extortion, promoting prostitution, accepting earnings of a prostitute, and battery. His arraignment is set for Dec. 21.