Council appoints James DeRozit as municipal judge

The Las Cruces City Council voted to appoint James DeRozit to serve as municipal judge until the next regular municipal election. JC Borrego, assistant director of human resources, described the recruitment: the position was posted March 8–25, seven candidates applied, five recorded interviews were reviewed, and a closed-session review produced the selection. Borrego said the annual salary is $147,909.53 (95% of the municipal court judge 1 rate under municipal code).

Councilors praised the transparent process and the candidate's credentials. After the recorded motion and vote, the new appointee addressed the council with a short statement about background and values. DeRozit said he had practiced law for more than 20 years, had a judicial clerkship and public-defender experience, and pledged "to serve this city in that role ... treating every person who comes before the court with dignity and respect" and to handle cases "fairly and impartially."

The motion passed with a recorded roll call; councilors and the mayor welcomed the new judge and indicated staff would complete any remaining onboarding steps.