APS hires woman with criminal history

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - A woman once accused of running a mobile meth lab, now works at an Albuquerque high school for the APS’ police department. Is that a job she should have?

From Cynthia Benavidez’s mug shot in 2002 compared to her Facebook pictures from last year, it's clear she's changed.

A decade ago, Benavidez and her boyfriend were pulled over by APD. Cops say inside the car they found meth pipes and found everything needed to make meth inside the trunk.

So, how did she go from an accused person to a civilian working in the APS Police Department; stationed at Rio Grande High School?

That 2002 arrest ended with prosecutors dropping the felony charges and Benavidez was given a deferred sentence on a misdemeanor drug charge.

“Placed on a period of probation and as along as they follow the rules set forth by the court than that conviction is ultimately dismissed,” Kayla Anderson, with the district attorney’s office, said.

The district attorney's office says these kinds of plea deals give people a chance to change their ways without having a felony conviction on their record..

“When a defendant has minimal criminal history, also when they show that they have made acceptance for the offense they have committed, and then ultimately it's permitted by the court,” Anderson said.

Benavidez had not been in trouble before this and has not since. Something that played into APS' decision to hire her in 2010.

“They were aware that she had been arrested they were aware of what the charge was but since the year 2004 there had been nothing on her record,” Monica Armenta with APS said.

The school district says the dismissal of the felony charges was also key .

“The decision was made that she deserved a chance,” Armenta said.

APS says background checks do not just cover convictions but also charges which are also looked at seriously.

“How serious it is in nature and if it has anything to do with kids whatsoever,” Armenta said.

APS says Benavidez has been a great employee and has not been in any trouble with the district since she started in 2010. She makes about $16,000 a year.