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Residents deliver petition alleging misconduct by local family court hearing officer; council hears calls for review
Summary
Speakers at the Aug. 12 citizens forum presented a petition of more than 500 signatures alleging abuse of authority and bias by a family court hearing officer, and asked local officials to help. Complainants said they have filed complaints with judicial agencies and plan further media outreach.
Multiple residents used the citizens forum at the Aug. 12 Town of Taos council meeting to present a petition alleging misconduct by family court officials and to request council assistance.
What residents said - Allegations and petition: Patrick Medina and Chris Cordova addressed the council on behalf of petitioners who, they said, had submitted more than 500 signatures. The petition alleges biased decision-making and abuses of discretion by family court hearing officer Rachel Coleman and cited concerns about practices in domestic relations cases. Cordova told the council he believes the hearing officer has been "insensitive" to Hispanic culture and recounted his family's experience in court. - Legal framework referenced: Petitioners and speakers alleged the hearing officer is influenced by monetary incentives tied to Title IV-D child support funding; they said they had lodged complaints with multiple judicial oversight agencies and that they had not yet received a satisfactory response. Speakers said they plan local and national media outreach if the issues are not addressed.
How officials responded - Town officials did not take formal action at the meeting. Councilors received the petition and the clerk accepted it for the public record. Petitioners asked the council to use its influence to ensure complaints receive further review.
Why it matters The allegations involve family court administration and claim systemic harm to families and children. Petitioners framed their appeal as a call for accountability and said many community members are affected.
What petitioners request next Speakers requested that town officials review the petition and consider supporting their calls for investigation; they also provided a contact email for additional information (fatherjustice575@gmail.com). The council did not vote or direct a specific legal action related to the petition during the meeting.
