Cops' request boosts bond for suspect

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - The man who made Albuquerque Police Department history by being the first person recorded on video from two different bait-car arrests almost caught another break Saturday.

But police officers who typically don't attend arraignments appeared in Metro Court to make sure Anthony Chavez stays behind bars for a while.

One of the officers said Chavez has left 15 to 20 victims while building a long rap sheet.  His arrests in the two bait-car cases came last June.

The judge was considering a $5,000 surety bond that would have allowed Chavez to go free by posting $500 with a bonding company.

Then Lt. Lopez spoke up saying Chavez is a menace to society.

"Mr. Chavez came onto our radar screen last year," Lopez told the judge.  "He's been arrested about five times for property crimes.

"Every time he gets out he reoffends within two weeks to a month. I would ask that you consider a cash-only bond"

The judge took that advice and increased Chavez's bond to $25,000 in cash.

Police arrested Chavez Friday for allegedly stealing a car and possessing burglary tools.  He also has five charges from 2010 pending.

And police said they've caught him twice stealing bait cars planted and monitored to catch car thieves.

More charges are likely coming for Chavez.

An APD detective said he's working on seven cases that include residential burglary and car theft where Chavez's fingerprints were found at the scene.