Kaneisha Ten, who was recently sought by police on suspicion of intentionally hitting a man with her car and fleeing the scene on Jan. 11, appeared in Montezuma County Court on Friday for a bond hearing.
Her father’s request to speak with Judge Ian MacLaren was declined, and the alleged victim was unable to connect remotely by Webex, according to the District Attorney’s Office.
District Attorney Jeremy Reed told MacLaren that Ten was being charged with second-degree assault, domestic violence and leaving the scene of a crash that caused injury. He added that the victim suffered minor injuries.
After the hit-and-run, the woman reportedly sent text messages to the victim saying that she was going to “dodge Cortez police.”
Ten and the alleged victim have been in a relationship for about 12 years and have two young sons together.
Reed shared that Ten also was suspected of being involved in a New Mexico domestic violence case with a house member in the past. He recommended a $5,000 cash surety bond and no contact protection order with the victim, though the victim had expressed that he wanted the case to be dismissed.
Ten’s attorney spoke next. He said both of Ten’s sons have “profound hearing loss” and have the opportunity to both attend a school for the deaf in Santa Fe, where the older one is attending. He shared that Ten is the only member of the family fluent in sign language and that he didn’t want the case to interfere with the boys’ schooling.
He added that Ten would have a place to stay, away from the alleged victim, and that she has recently had a job, though she doesn’t now. He said her son was going to Kirtland to visit family for the weekend, and she wanted to be there to see him.
He requested a personal recognizance bond for Ten.
MacLaren said he was concerned about the domestic violence charge and events surrounding the case.
“We’re thankful the results (of the hit-and-run) were not worse,” MacLaren said.
MacLaren set Ten for a $5,000 cash surety bond and a no-contact protection order with the victim. He also requested she complete a form that states she doesn’t have firearms or will relinquish the ones she has.
She later stated that she doesn’t have a firearm.
Ten will appear for a return filing of charges hearing on Feb. 27 in Montezuma County District Court with Judge William Furse at 9 a.m.
