ALAMOSA — Mari Felix, Alamosa resident and County Clerk and Recorder, appeared in the court of District Judge Crista Newmyer-Olsen on Tuesday for, what appeared on the docket as, her first appearance. Felix is facing a charge of accessory to a crime, a class 5 felony, related to the alleged sexual abuse of a child by her husband, Martin Felix-Lopez.
Michael Martin, acting as defense counsel, addressed the court, stating there could be another delay.
“It appears the DA’s office has brought in an attorney to handle specifically these kinds of cases. I believe that this will facilitate a probable resolution,” he said.
Martin was referring to the recent hiring of Assistant District Attorney Wesley Stafford.
Martin told the court he recognized that this was yet another delay in proceedings, which had included, at one time, Martin saying he was unable to open a file containing information from the district attorney’s office.
Judge Newmyer-Olsen said she was willing to set one more first appearance since the attorney involved in further proceedings was not in the courtroom. She also made it clear it was time for Felix to either enter a not guilty plea or for defense and the prosecution to reach a resolution so the case could proceed.
Felix’s next hearing is set for Aug. 21.
In mid-December of 2022, Mari Felix was taken into custody after one of her children reported a history of sexual abuse by Martin Felix-Lopez, Felix’s husband, to a school counselor.
At that time, Felix was charged with four felonies for alleged complicity in sexual assault on a child and child abuse. However, in early January of 2023, District Attorney Anne Kelly reduced Felix’s charges to a single count of accessory to a crime, a class five felony.
When asked to comment, DA Kelly declined, stating it was a case currently in litigation which prohibits her from discussing any details in the case.
Mari Felix has been Alamosa County Clerk and Recorder since July of 2022 when she was appointed to the position following the resignation of her predecessor, Nicole Jaramillo. Just a few months later, Felix, who ran unopposed, was elected to office.
