Los Alamos man charged with felony in minor delinquency case

A Los Alamos felony case now in magistrate court centers on allegations involving a 15-year-old, a charge New Mexico treats as a fourth-degree felony. James Paul Mang III, 36, of Los Alamos was charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor, a statute that covers any act or omission that causes or tends to cause or encourage delinquency in someone under 18. In a county of 19,675 people, where 20.7% of residents are under 18, the case lands in the part of the justice system that most directly protects children and teens.

The allegation stems from interactions earlier this year and is documented in court filings by the Los Alamos Police Department. The case is now in Los Alamos Magistrate Court, part of the First Judicial District, where felony first appearances and preliminary hearings are handled before any possible move into district court. Court hearing details are posted only for the current day and the next six days, so a hearing may not stay visible online for long.

For parents who need to report concerns, the Los Alamos Police Department lists a non-emergency line at 505-662-8222, and police records requests run through 505-663-1741. Los Alamos Public Schools can be reached at 505-663-2222, and Los Alamos High School’s counseling department can be reached at 505-663-2797. The district also has a school prevention specialist stationed at the high school and middle school to work with students and families on substance abuse, child abuse, violence, suicide, truancy and other at-risk behaviors.

Families looking for support outside the schools can turn to Los Alamos JJAB at 1907 Central Avenue, Suite 204, 505-709-8215, where prevention, early-intervention and support services are available for youth ages 0-18 and their families. Los Alamos County Social Services also coordinates referrals to providers and contracts with local nonprofits that include Family Strengths Network, the Los Alamos Teen Center and the Youth Activity Centers. In a town where school, neighborhood and public-safety systems overlap so closely, concerns about youth safety have a local path into both the justice system and the support network around it.