A failed New Mexico political candidate accused of shootings at homes and businesses of Democratic state and local lawmakers has been charged with 14 criminal counts, the district attorney said Monday.
A grand jury indicted Solomon Pena, 39, on charges including firing into an occupied dwelling, conspiracy and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office said in a declaration.
Albuquerque police arrested Pena on Jan. 16, more than a month after shots were fired at a county commissioner’s home on Dec. 4, authorities said.
Peña ran as a Republican for a state House seat, but lost to incumbent Democrat Miguel P. García by 5,679 to 2,033, or 74% to 26%.
Albuquerque police have said Peña believed the election had been “rigged.” He had taken his complaints to some of the officials whose houses were later fired upon, without success, police said.
Peña is accused of hiring four people in the scheme to shoot at the houses or businesses of officials. Police have said Pena was involved in at least one of the shootings, but his weapon, described as an AR pistol, jammed.
The grand jury indicted Peña on three counts of criminal solicitation to commit a home shooting, four counts of home shooting, two counts of conspiracy, two counts of unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, attempting to commit aggravated assault with a deadly weapon . and two counts of possession of a firearm by certain persons.
Peña is a felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, authorities said.
Pena was initially arrested on charges that included being a felon in possession of a firearm and firing into an occupied dwelling.
He was ordered held without bail at a court hearing this month.
Peña’s lawyer has questioned the credibility of a confidential witness who shared information with investigators in the case and has said that Peña has no violent history and has been turning his life around.
The Associated Press contributed.
