DWI trials underway for former NMSP Jessica Turner

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

A jury in Otero County is deliberating on whether former New Mexico State Police Officer Jessica Turner is guilty of driving while intoxicated and tampering with evidence.

Turner testified in Otero County District Court she was not under the influence of alcohol but rather was disoriented because she took medication for an autoimmune disease, in a trial that began which began June 30 with juror selection.

More:Former State Police officer accused of DUI

Her testimony contradicts what Otero County Undersheriff Sean Jett told jurors. He testified and court records indicate, that in 2018 Otero County deputies found Turner behind the wheel of a vehicle parked on Highway 82 between High Rolls and Alamogordo. Turner was slumped over and allegedly smelled of alcohol.

Turner was not immediately arrested, instead the deputies gave her a ride home. The arrest came nearly two months after the incident. 

Last year Turner's defense argued that there was no evidence she had been driving the vehicle, but a request to dismiss the case was denied. 

Prosecutor James Dickens and Turner's defense attorney, Gary Mitchell, argued over the allegation that Turner intentionally hid the keys to the vehicle.

Turner's trial is being conducted under the new safety procedures at the courthouse requiring the use of masks and social distancing.

More:New Mexico's first jury trial in Alamogordo District Court

On June 26, Turner's defense filed an objection to proceeding under the "COVID-19 Resume and Adopt Plan," after an earlier request to delay trial was denied. Mitchell argued then that Turner's rights to a fair and impartial trial would be violated because jury selection would be impeded by COVID-19, according to court documents. He argued that seating a jury under the current environment, could result in the exclusion of certain populations who are at greater risk to infection.

The 12th District Court was the first in New Mexico to re-open jury trials after an emergency health order forced the closure of court proceedings. 

The public can view proceedings from the 12th district online at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZUpFHPtiEVia_x7Hk0ydSg.

Turner's case is being presided over by Judge Conrad F. Perea, and is expected to continue Monday.

Turner quit her position with the New Mexico State Police. She is currently suing the department.

Jessica Onsurez can be reached at jonsurez@currentargus.com, @JussGREAT on Twitter at by phone at 575-628-5531.