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State: Around 2,600 Fugitives Nabbed In New Mexico Last Year

State officials say around 2,600 ex-convicts accused of violating their parole or probation in New Mexico were captured last year.

The Department of Corrections said last week that the absconders were caught thanks to an aggressive team tapped with finding fugitives across the state. Officials believe that may be the largest number apprehended in a single year.

However, state officials say around 1,700 absconders in New Mexico still are the run.

Under New Mexico law, the punishment for apprehended absconders is determined by the State Parole Board and the courts.

Corrections Secretary Gregg Marcantel says the absconder project is part of a larger effort as reforming the department.

Currently, there are around 7,700 inmates in state prisons.

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