New Mexico candidate indicted in drive-by shooting case

By SUSAN MONTOYA BRYAN
Associated Press

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A political newcomer who lost his bid for the New Mexico Statehouse has been indicted on charges of allegedly orchestrating a series of drive-by shootings at the homes of Democratic officials. Prosecutors say a Bernalillo County grand jury returned a 14-count indictment against Solomon Peña on Monday. The 39-year-old felon remains in custody after a judge last week ordered him to be held without bond pending trial. The charges stem from shootings that occurred between early December and January. No one was hurt, but the case reignited the debate over whether lawmakers should make it harder for people accused of violent crimes to make bail. Lawmakers also are considering a bill that would shield from public the addresses of elected officials.