After Two Mistrials, Charges Dropped Against Ex-Albuquerque Cop Accused of False Imprisonment

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) - It seems that the ex-Albuquerque Police Department officer involved in dragging a disabled man from Target will likely avoid a third trial. Recently, earlier this month, an update was provided. A hung jury resulted in a second mistrial. In the matter concerning Kenneth Skeens, the state has now dismissed all charges.

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On April 18, according to documents filed, the New Mexico Attorney General’s Office stated that since two juries were unable to reach a unanimous decision, they feel it would be in the interest of justice to drop the case.

In August 2022, the ex-Albuquerque police officer Kenneth Skeens approached Matthew McManus. , attempted to purchase a bicycle using the self-checkout at the Target located on Coors Blvd. and Irving Blvd. When McManus did this, Skeens and two additional officers, who had been present for a different matter, approached him.

The video footage depicts McManus being pulled out, with law enforcement informing him that he was under arrest for not providing identification when asked. As for Skeens, he was dismissed from his position, and subsequently, the attorney general pressed charges such as false imprisonment against him.

A year ago, Skeens initially faced a trial, however, the jury failed to deliver a verdict. Recently, during a new hearing, prosecutors contended that McManus possessed the funds necessary to purchase the bicycle and asserted that Skeens' apprehension was unlawful. This led to another trial for Skeens earlier this month.

Although the defense contended that Target staff members observed McManus and instructed Skeens to apprehend him, the trial concluded with a jury unable to reach a consensus on whether Skeens had acted unlawfully.

Currently, New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez has dismissed the case without prejudice. This allows for potential refiling of charges; however, prosecutors have stated that the inability of both juries to come to an agreement was the primary reason behind this decision.

Skeens was charged with false imprisonment, perjury, and filing a false report. Conviction could have resulted in up to four years in prison for him.

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