Sandoval County Man Convicted of Murder in 2003 Faces Probation Violation Charges

Scott Dante, 49, walked out of prison in August 2024 after serving time for a string of serious crimes connected to the 2002 death of a Sandoval County man. Less than two years later, he is back before a judge.

Dante pleaded guilty in 2003 in the 13th Judicial District Court in Sandoval County to second-degree murder, conspiracy to commit aggravated battery, kidnapping, unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, tampering with evidence, conspiracy to commit tampering with evidence and arson. The charges stemmed from his involvement in the death of Paul Sanchez, who disappeared in 2002 and was later found buried on the West Mesa.

A judge sentenced Dante to 25 years in prison with five years of supervised probation to follow. Because he had already been held prior to sentencing, he received credit for 551 days already served. A criminal complaint filed in Albuquerque confirmed his release from prison in August 2024, after which he began serving two years of parole alongside the five-year probation term.

Dante was scheduled for a probation violation hearing in Sandoval County on March 23, but that hearing was continued. The case remains an open proceeding, with no final ruling issued.

When probation conditions are alleged to have been breached, courts in New Mexico can respond with a range of sanctions. Judges may modify supervision terms, impose previously suspended portions of a sentence, or revoke probation entirely and order a return to custody. Dante could also contest the allegations, with prosecutors required to present evidence of the claimed violation at a hearing.

The case stretches back more than two decades to Sanchez's disappearance and the West Mesa discovery that followed, a case that drew significant attention in the Sandoval County area. That Dante's post-release supervision is now under scrutiny underscores how the legal obligations tied to serious felony convictions can extend well beyond prison walls.