ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Three New Mexico firefighters are facing charges of second-degree rape for an incident that occurred on July 15th, where they allegedly gang raped the sister of a colleague. According to police documents, the accused firefighters attempted to cover up the crime by exchanging text messages and searching Google for ways to avoid detection.
Albuquerque Fire Rescue Lt. Aden Heyman, Firefighter Angel Portillo, and retired driver Anthony Martin, were found to have communicated with each other after the incident, vowing to keep quiet about the assault. Messages obtained by the Albuquerque Journal revealed that the defendants were actively trying to prevent anyone from finding out about the crime.
Further evidence showed text messages from Portillo expressing regret to the victim’s sister, indicating that alcohol influenced a series of questionable decisions. Additionally, Heyman was found to have searched for information on how long DNA stays in the vagina, three weeks after the attack.
The assault occurred after a local golf tournament, where the victim and her sister spent the day with Portillo and Martin. However, the arrival of Heyman at Martin’s house reportedly resulted in a shift in energy, leading to the victim feeling unwell and eventually passing out. She later awoke to find Heyman instructing the other two firefighters on how to assault her, before managing to escape through a bathroom window, and eventually being found curled up and crying outside the apartment complex.
The accused firefighters have been charged with second-degree rape and are facing legal proceedings. The case highlights the issue of workplace harassment and the abuse of power, adding to the ongoing conversation about the safety and treatment of individuals in professional environments.