4/16/09
Two city of Española water department employees are facing suspension for suspected drinking and driving while on the job, city officials said.
Acting City Manager Veronica Albin said she had instructed Water Director Marvin Martinez one month ago to suspend water operator Philip Martinez and water service worker Juan Candelaria for allegedly drinking while on standby duty the night of March 13.
City safety policies call for stiff penalties for any driver or equipment operator who is arrested for DUI.
“Arrest for driving while intoxicated, either off or on duty, will result in immediate suspension; upon conviction, the driver will be terminated,” the policy states.
Additional policies prohibit drinking while on standby duty, and threaten employees drinking on the job with termination.
Marvin Martinez said he submitted suspension paperwork to acting city attorney Paula Maynes and Human Resources Director Jeanie Brito two weeks ago, and plans to suspend Philip Martinez and Candelaria Wednesday (4/15).
State Police arrested Philip Martinez, 25, of the Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo, March 13 at a DUI checkpoint near mile post 200 of Highway 84/285 for allegedly driving under the influence and driving with a revoked or suspended license, according to court documents. Martinez had a blood alcohol level of 0.12, according to a police report.
Martinez pleaded not guilty to the charges Monday in Rio Arriba County Magistrate Court. He declined to comment.
If Philip Martinez returns to work, he cannot drive city vehicles until his driver’s license is reinstated, Marvin Martinez said.
Documents related to Candelaria’s alleged arrest could not be obtained. Marvin Martinez clarified that Candelaria was pulled over by Okhay Owingeh Police that night, but was not charged. Candelaria denied even that.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Candelaria said. “I didn’t get pulled over for nothing. You can check my record.”
He declined to comment further. Okhay Owingeh Police Chief Donovan Trujillo could not be reached for comment.