Alleged Gang Member Held

By Chris Vogel
Journal Staff Writer

A 24-year-old alleged gang member is in jail on suspicion of shooting a Valley High freshman in the face late last month near the campus after school.

Kenneth G. Brown Jr., 24, was booked into the Bernalillo County Detention Center on Tuesday on charges of aggravated battery and tampering with evidence. He was arraigned Wednesday and is in the Bernalillo County Detention Center-West Side facility on a $50,000 bond.

Brown of Bernalillo is the son of Sandoval County District Judge Kenneth G Brown.

Judge Brown’s assistant said Wednesday afternoon that the judge was not at work and had no comment on his son’s arrest.

Judge Brown is also the founder and adjudicator of Grade Court, a Sandoval County program that helps juvenile delinquents earn better grades and stay in school. The younger Brown is suspected of shooting Crystoval “Kiki” Montoya, 14, in the face on Aug. 28 about a block from Valley High in the Matthews Meadows neighborhood during an alleged gang fight. Montoya was released from University Hospital on Sept. 5, a hospital spokeswoman said.

Brown was arrested after several anonymous witnesses told police they saw him shoot into a crowd from an SUV he was driving.

Attorney Thomas Brown, no relation, who has represented Brown on prior occasions, said he again represented him during Wednesday’s arraignment but has not been officially hired.

The suspect was also arrested in January 2000 for aggravated DWI and possession of marijuana and in February 2002 for petty larceny, Metro Court records show.

The day of the shooting, just before Valley let out at 2:25 p.m., a group of about 100 students gathered in front of the school in anticipation of a fight, a criminal complaint said.

The duel between gangs was precipitated by Brew town gang members burning a red bandana during lunch that is a symbol of the North- side gang, Det. Jason Quade said Wednesday afternoon.

Quade said sources have told him that Brown is a member of the Northside 14th Street gang, which is either synonymous with or an affiliate of the Northside gang.

Albuquerque Journal Thursday September 9, 2002

HONORABLE KENNETH G. BROWN

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EVALUATION: Judge Brown received positive ratings during this evaluation. The judge brings to his position extensive experience on the bench and valuable knowledge in dealing with juvenile matters. The evaluation result reveal his specific strengths to include his over control over the courtroom, his courtesy and fairness those he encounters. The judge is dedicated to improving his performance. For example, he has demonstrated a commitment to improve his oral communication skills and his preparation of cases before trial. The judge has maintained or improved upon the above-average ratings given in his prior evaluation and has consistently expressed a willingness and interest in ongoing self-improvement.

EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION: Judge Brown has been a District Court Judge since January 1, . 1985. In addition to his experience on the bench, the judge has also shown strong commitment to his community by his involvement in various legal and civic activities. For example, the judge is a member of the Rotary Club, American Bar Association, National Council of Juvenile and Family Law, New Mexico Judges’ Association, and the National Conference of State Trial Judges. Judge Brown received both his undergraduate and his law degrees from the University of New Mexico.