The criminal history of Solomon Peña
Solomon Peña was arrested on Monday, Jan. 17, in connection with four shootings at the homes of political figures in New Mexico. This isn't his first run-in with law enforcement.
Solomon Peña was arrested on Monday, Jan. 17, in connection with four shootings at the homes of political figures in New Mexico. This isn't his first run-in with law enforcement.
Solomon Peña was arrested on Monday, Jan. 17, in connection with four shootings at the homes of political figures in New Mexico. This isn't his first run-in with law enforcement.
Solomon Peña was arrested on Monday, Jan. 17, in connection with four shootings at the homes of political figures in New Mexico. This isn't his first run-in with law enforcement.
In 2008, Peña was convicted of a felony in a smash-and-grab scheme. He served around seven years in prison.
KOAT spoke with Peña last year just months before the election when his candidacy for New Mexico's 14th house district was called into question.
When talking about his past convictions, Peña said, "I have nothing more than a desire to improve my lot in life."
Related video above: Judge allows ex-felon to stay on ballot
Rep. Miguel Garcia and his lawyers filed this lawsuit alleging that Peña should be removed from the ballot because of his felony conviction.
On Sept. 14, District Court ruled that Peña could remain on the ballot.
KOAT legal expert John Day said, "It was the judge's interpretation of the Constitution to say, even if convicted felons can't cast a vote on election day, they can still put their names on a ballot."
Day says the judge decided that because Peña could restore his right to vote with a governor's pardon, he was eligible for election.
"The judge in this case didn't foresee that the guy he allowed to run for public office was going to be charged with trying to shoot at people who are running for office," Day said.
Garcia would go on to appeal the decision made by district court, but before a decision could be made on the appeal, the election had already taken place, and Peña had lost.