An unsuccessful New Mexico political candidate accused. Of shooting up the homes and businesses of Democratic state. And local lawmakers faces 14 criminal counts, the district attorney said Monday.
A grand jury indicted Solomon Pena, 39, on charges. That include shooting into an occupied dwelling. Conspiracy and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. The Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office said in a statement.
Albuquerque police arrested Pena on Jan. 16, more than a month after a Dec. 4 shooting. At the home of a county commissioner, officials said. Pena ran for a seat in the state House as a Republican. But was defeated by incumbent Democrat Miguel P. Garcia lost 5,679 to 2,033, or 74% to 26%.
The grand jury indicted Pena on three counts of felony solicitation to shoot into a dwelling. Four counts of shooting into a dwelling, two counts of conspiracy. Two counts of unlawful taking of a motor vehicle. Attempted aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. and two counts of possession of a firearm by certain persons. Pena is a felon prohibited from possessing a firearm, officials said.
Penner’s attorney questioned the credibility of a confidential. Witness who shared information with investigators in the case. Saying Penner had no history of violence and had turned his life around.