Penalties to be increased during emergency incidents such as wildfires
ROSWELL “ Today, Senator Cliff Pirtle (R-Roswell), announced his intention to introduce a bill during the public safety special session to increase penalties for looters. The bill would specifically increase penalties for those who loot evacuated businesses or donations in communities affected by emergency declarations.
Senator Cliff Pirtle issued the following statement regarding his proposal:
"The disaster caused by the South Fork and Salt Fires has brought out the best and the worst in people. Our state has banded together in an incredible way to support those who have lost their homes and loved ones in this tragedy. Unfortunately, a few bad apples see tragedy as an opportunity to capitalize on the misfortune of others. New Mexico deserves to know a line in the sand exists and we refuse to let good people be revictimized because they put the lives of others above their own livelihood."