Prosecutors, investigator recognized for excellence

Two prosecutors and an investigator from the District Attorney's office were recently recognized by their peers for outstanding excellence in their profession, according to a press release issued Monday by District Attorney Andrea Reeb.

“I'm just really excited and proud of these three individuals and my staff,” Reeb said. “It was a great year for us.”

The recipients of the awards from the New Mexico District Attorneys Association are Chief Deputy District Attorney Brian Stover, named “Prosecutor of the Year,” award; Assistant District Attorney Laura Talbert, who won the “Junior Prosecutor of the Year,” award; and Senior Investigator Dan Aguilar, who won the “Investigator of the Year,” award, the press release stated.

“Over this year, Dan Aguilar played a huge role in convicting Noe Torres,” Reeb said. “Brian Stover had a year full of jury trials and convicted several sex offenders. And Laura Talbert was the prosecutor that convicted some big drug dealers. She really stepped up this year.”

According to Reeb, district attorneys throughout New Mexico nominate individuals from their offices, which are presented at the New Mexico District Attorney's annual training conference in Albuquerque. There are only seven awards, she said.

Reeb said the three from her office were up against other investigators and attorneys throughout the state.

“We generally get at least one recipient for an award almost every year,” Reeb said. “But this would be the first year (our office) has had three.”