Clovis, NM – Ninth Judicial District Attorney, Quentin Ray, announced that on January 13, 2025, Fernando Chavez-Molina, age 45, of Clovis, pled guilty to Knowingly Leaving the Scene of an Accident (Great Bodily Harm or Death) and Attempted Tampering with Evidence and was sentenced to 4 (four) years in the Department of Corrections.
On November 23, 2023, Clovis Police Dispatch received a 911 call about a motor vehicle crash with injuries. The 911 caller stated that he believed an employee with Opportunity Dairy had been involved in a crash with a female on a bicycle. Curry County Deputies responded and found fragments of a bicycle and a deceased female. During the investigation, it was made known that Fernando Chavez-Molina was the driver of the Ford Mustang. Molina later reported to the Clovis Police Department where he gave a statement and admitted to hitting the victim on the bicycle and leaving the scene. A toxicology report came back to determine that Molina was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
At the sentencing hearing Molina spoke to the victim’s family in great remorse saying it was not his intention and that it was an accident. He was not speeding nor under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Molina stated he was in shock and did not know what to do.
Judge Benjamin Cross sentenced Molina to a maximum of 4 years in the Department of Corrections stating that our community needs to understand this is a huge crime. There have been numerous cases like this coming through our courts. We need to drive cautiously and carefully. Judge Cross stated if you are involved in an accident, the law requires you to stop and render aid.
Special Prosecutor prosecuted the case, Andrea Reeb, and Molina was represented by Criminal Defense Attorney, Angelina Baca of Clovis. The Honorable Judge Benjamin Cross presided over the hearing.
For more information, please contact the Office of the District Attorney, at 575-769-2246.
