Beaten, freed inmate in federal trouble

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Kenneth Traiger was facing nearly two decades behind bars for armed robbery before a state judge suspended his sentence. Now Traiger is in trouble again, this time with the feds.

The then-21-year-old Traiger was jailed at the Metropolitan Detention Center after he held up a Starbucks near Juan Tabo Boulevard NE and Indian School Road in February 2009. But behind bars, in September 2010, investigators said Traiger was beaten and sexually assaulted by three other inmates.

Investigators said Traiger was kicked in the head over and over again until he became unresponsive.

Traiger appeared before Judge Reed Sheppard for sentencing a week after the beating.

"He was confined to a wheelchair, somewhat slumped over and not in good physical condition at all," said Sheppard.

Sheppard suspended Traiger's 18-year sentence and placed him on five years probation instead.

"I considered everything presented to the court, his criminal history, his crimes, statements from witnesses, and medical records that I have been provided," said Sheppard.

But on Wednesday, Traiger, now 22, clearly violated the judge's orders. The FBI arrested Traiger on federal charges of holding up a MyBank branch at 6000 Montgomery Blvd. NE that afternoon.

"Based on how he looked at sentencing, I'm very surprised to hear that he's alleged to have robbed a bank," said Sheppard.

Sheppard said Traiger wasn't given a free pass when he was initially sentenced.

"I wouldn't say it was generous," said Sheppard. "It was appropriate under all the circumstances."

On top of Traiger's troubles, he's also caught up in a legal battle with Bernalillo County. Traiger is suing for the beating incident at MDC.

Traiger's attorney wouldn't comment on his client's latest arrest. But the lawyer did say Traiger suffered a traumatic brain injury in that jail beating and is not in the right state of mind.