New federal court program in NM supports inmates after incarceration, celebrates first graduation

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – It’s a major milestone for a group of New Mexicans who never thought they’d get a second chance. “Congratulations to our graduates,” said Chief United States District Judge for the District of New Mexico William Johnson to a full federal courtroom.


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On Tuesday was the inaugural graduation ceremony for a new federal problem-solving court and a moment the three graduate didn’t believe they’d ever get to see. “I had a history of not finishing. Anything I ever did, I never finished it,” said Jarvus Johnson. He, Justin Pacheco, and Jeffery Manning are the three graduates. KRQE News 13 caught up with Johnson and Pacheco before Tuesday’s graduation ceremony.

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