PORTALES, N.M. — Ninth Judicial District Attorney Quentin Ray announces that a Portales man has been convicted and sentenced following a jury trial related to a shoplifting incident that took place earlier this year.
Ricardo James Ornelas Jr., 40, was found guilty of Shoplifting (Over $250 but Not More Than $500) after a jury trial held on October 10, 2025, in Roosevelt County Magistrate Court. The case stemmed from an April 19, 2025 incident at Farmer’s Country Market in Portales, where store surveillance footage showed Ornelas concealing a bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label Blended Scotch Whiskey, valued at $323.79, before leaving the store without paying.
The Portales Police Department conducted the investigation after a Farmer’s Market store manager, reported the theft and provided surveillance footage identifying Ornelas. The video evidence and witness statements were presented during the trial.
On November 12, 2025, the Honorable Judge Christopher Mitchell sentenced Ornelas to 364 days in the Roosevelt County Detention Center, with 304 days suspended. He will serve 49 days in custody and complete 304 days of supervised probation. The court also ordered Ornelas to pay restitution, abstain from alcohol, and avoid any locations where alcohol is sold or served during his probation period.
The Ninth Judicial District Attorney’s Office remains dedicated to preventing theft and holding offenders accountable.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney, Jose Maldonado and Ricardo Ornelas was represented by defense attorney Sandra Gallagher.
For more information, please contact the Office of the District Attorney, at 575-769-2246.