JAL, N.M. — A federal jury has convicted two former officers of the Jal Police Department for the civil rights violations tied to the death of John Doe, who died during their custody. The verdict highlights serious misconduct among police officers, particularly concerning the use of excessive force and lack of medical assistance during their interactions with the public.
Ceasar Enrique Mendoza, 28, and Robert Edward Embly, 43, were found guilty on February 27, 2025, after a seven-day trial and approximately 13 hours of deliberation. The charges stemmed from events on July 31, 2021, when the officers interacted with John Doe following a traffic stop. The federal court ruled against Mendoza and Embly on three counts of depriving Doe of his rights under the color of law, including use of unreasonable force, failure to intervene, and deliberate indifference to serious medical needs.
"At no point during the incident did John Doe... attempt to flee, make threats, or aggressive statements," the U.S. Department of Justice indicated, underlining the lack of justification for the officers’ actions.
According to court documents, the tragedy began when Officer Corey Patrick Saffell stopped Doe for allegedly driving without headlights at the Pilot Gas Station in Jal. During the traffic stop, the situation escalated when Saffell accused Doe of presenting false identification. Shortly thereafter, Mendoza and Embly arrived on the scene.
After he was handcuffed, John Doe was placed inside the back of Saffell’s K9 unit, where he was confined alongside an aggressive police dog. The officers used Tasers excessively during the situation, resulting in 14 deployments — with Mendoza using his Taser 13 times. Throughout the ordeal, Saffell notoriously shouted commands to continue Tasering Doe, reflecting blatant disregard for the man's well-being.
Following the extended use of Taser force, the trio moved Doe to Embly’s patrol car, where he was tased for the final count. The officers neglected their duties to monitor Doe’s condition, which deteriorated severely. At the jail, they dragged Doe's limp, unconscious body and placed him unceremoniously on his stomach inside the cell, handcuffed and with no regard for his medical state.
Despite visible signs of medical distress, including his being unresponsive and having urinated himself, he received no medical assistance until officers finally recognized the gravity of the situation. Only after determining he had stopped breathing did they initiate life-saving measures — too late, as John Doe was pronounced dead shortly after midnight.
U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Special Agent Raul Bujanda from the FBI's Albuquerque Field Office announced the conviction, also emphasizing the serious nature of the police misconduct. The investigation, which involved multiple law enforcement agencies such as the Hobbs Police Department and New Mexico State Police, intended to bring accountability to those who violate civil rights under the guise of law enforcement duties.
Mendoza and Embly now face potential sentences of up to 30 years for their actions, with each count of conviction carrying a maximum penalty of 10 years. Despite the severity of their crimes, the court has placed them under conditions of release pending sentencing, the timeline of which remains uncertain.
Former officer Corey Patrick Saffell previously took a plea deal, admitting guilt to three counts of civil rights violations, including unlawful arrest and failure to provide medical care. His plea deal implies he may assist prosecuting prosecutors during the upcoming sentencing phases for his fellow officers.
The growing concerns around police conduct and accountability have put pressure on local officers and institutions. Cases like this one showcase the urgent need for procedural changes and increased training for police officers to prevent brutality and negligence. The U.S. Justice Department continues its efforts to shed light on and rectify issues faced by communities victimized by excessive force.
While the focus is now on the legal outcomes for Mendoza, Embly, and Saffell, the question remains: How many more cases of this nature must be handled before significant reform is put firmly in place to restore public trust and safety? This incident has ignited conversations about systemic issues within law enforcement—a conversation necessary for forging progress and ensuring justice is served.