Mixed Martial Arts figure Jon Jones is once again navigating the complexities of the legal system in New Mexico, following a peculiar development related to a car accident incident dating back to February. What began as a single charge has recently evolved into a more tangled situation with the filing of a second, separate criminal case.
Official court records in New Mexico confirm that on June 30, a new case was initiated against Jones. Notably, this filing included a charge identical to the one he already faces: Leaving the Scene of an Accident. However, the new complaint also introduced an additional accusation: Use of a Telephone to Terrify, Intimidate, Threaten, Harass, Annoy or Offend.
Background to the Charges
The context for these charges stems from the original incident report from February 21. Authorities responded to a vehicle collision where one car`s occupant, a woman, was found in a state suggesting significant intoxication and lacking lower body clothing. She reportedly identified Jones as the driver of her vehicle at the time of the crash, alleging he subsequently fled the scene on foot.
According to initial reports, the woman placed a call to Jones shortly after the accident and allowed a police service aide to speak with him. The aide described the voice on the other end as sounding heavily intoxicated and noted statements that were interpreted as veiled threats or “allusions to violence” potentially involving third parties. A responding officer, Andrew Romero, also reportedly engaged in a separate conversation with the individual, encountering similar vague threats while the caller evaded confirming their identity as Jon Jones.
Further investigation reportedly involved subpoenaing Jones`s phone records. These records allegedly showed multiple calls (13 in total) made from Jones to the woman involved in the accident in the hours following the crash. Additionally, a gap in Jones`s phone location data reportedly coincided with the timeframe of the accident, adding another layer to the initial inquiry. Based on this evidence, the initial misdemeanor charge for leaving the scene was filed, to which Jones has previously entered a not guilty plea, with a bench trial scheduled for August 14.
The Second Filing and Legal Challenge
The recent second criminal complaint, notably filed by Officer Romero – one of the officers who spoke to Jones by phone at the scene – reintroduces the leaving the scene charge alongside the new telephone-related charge. This procedural move has prompted a swift response from Jones`s legal representation.
On July 9, attorney Christopher Dodd filed a motion requesting the dismissal of this second case. The core of the argument rests on the principle of mandatory joinder, asserting that one cannot be prosecuted in separate cases for the same set of factual allegations. Dodd`s filing posits that Jones is being improperly forced to defend himself twice for the exact same underlying incident.
The attorney`s motion raises questions about the coordination – or lack thereof – between the police detective and the officer involved in the investigation regarding the filing of charges. It suggests either a procedural oversight or, more pointedly, an “improper strategic purpose” behind pursuing a second case containing a duplicate charge. Regardless of the intent, the defense contends the outcome is an impermissible double charge for the same event, necessitating dismissal.
Current Status
The second case has been assigned to Judge Brittany Maldonado, and an arraignment hearing is tentatively set for August 4. However, the judge has yet to rule on the motion to dismiss. As of now, the second criminal complaint, with its duplicate and new charges, remains active, adding complexity to Jon Jones`s ongoing legal entanglements in New Mexico.
This legal situation unfolds while Jones has been publicly discussing his career. After announcing retirement in June, he has recently hinted at a potential return to competition, including re-entering the UFC`s anti-doping program. However, these procedural court battles serve as a reminder that his activities outside the octagon continue to present significant challenges.
