Chandler to help prosecute Aryan case

District Attorney Matt Chandler has been appointed a special assistant prosecutor in a federal racketeering case against alleged members of the Aryan Brotherhood, according to the U.S. Attorney’s office.

The appointment is a result of his involvement in the investigation that led to two Roosevelt County men being charged in connection with the killing of Causey rancher Jimmy “Bo” Chunn.

Chandler has been given the authority afforded a federal prosecutor, said Norm Cairns, spokesman for the U.S. Attorney’s office in New Mexico.

Cairns said Chandler will be an integral part of the federal prosecution against the 19 New Mexico residents indicted last week.

Donald Taylor, 27, of Rogers is charged with racketeering and murder in the case. Billy Jo Watson, 42, is charged with interstate racketeering and conspiracy to commit manufacturing methamphetamine over 50 grams.

Chandler said he is humbled by the appointment and glad he can participate in pursuing justice for Chunn’s family.

“My number-one goal in this is just to serve justice to the family that lost their loved one,” he said.

Chunn, 71, was allegedly killed in July 2005 as part of an overall plan by the Aryan Brotherhood to organize a New Mexico Chapter of the gang.

It could take months or years for the case to reach trial, Chandler said. It is still uncertain if it will be held in Las Cruces Federal court or Albuquerque, he said.