Tearful Tapia ordered back to jail

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Five-time world champion boxer Johnny Tapia back will remain in jail until at least the end of the month for violating release conditions from a felony drug conviction, a District Court judge ruled Thursday.

Tapia's latest court appearance related to last year's conviction turned dramatic when Tapia was told minutes before the hearing that his mother-in-law had died. He burst into tears and cried during much of the hearing.

Bob Gorrence, his attorney, argued that Tapia was not competent for a court hearing. However District Judge Kenneth Martinez said that while Tapia was emotionally distraught he was still able to join in the proceedings.

Probation and parole officers arrested Tapia Monday alleging he had traveled to Red River during weekend without notifying his probation officer, which violated his probation.

And while he was there he reportedly got into some sort of dispute at a bar.

Tapia said he was in the northern New Mexico resort community to help get out the word out about his missing cousin.

Tapia's attorney Bob Gorrence said.

"Ridiculous idea to put someone in jail, this is it," Gorrence said after the hearing. "You call your probation officer. He's been clean ever since he's been out of jail. He's not drinking out all."

Tapia's only had two days left on probation, but he's also on parole.

Martinez said he can't let Tapia out of jail because that determination is up to the state Parole Board.

Tapia has a Parole Board hearing July 30, so he will stay in jail until then.

The state also filed a habitual-offender motion, which means a separate hearing will be held. Tapia could face a year of additional prison time for frequently being arrested.