Zion Graham graduates from Albuquerque diversion program after felony arrest
Zion Graham has completed felony diversion proceedings in Albuquerque after working through four phases of district court supervision. His successful completion allows him to avoid having a felony record. The program targets high-risk young adults facing serious criminal charges.
Bernalillo County District Court judges hold the proceedings on Fridays. Participants present personal goals rather than argue legal guilt.
Judge Cindy Leos and Judge Joseph Montaño lead the local effort. It serves people ages 18 to 25.
“In the beginning, we started with two participants,” Leos said. Now nine years later, the program has grown significantly.
“We’ve got 85 active participants,” Leos said. She noted 30 people remain on the wait list.
The program requires a felony charge for entry. It excludes first-degree murder and sex offenses.
Participants receive wraparound services across four strict phases. They complete mandatory therapy, weekly drug tests and treatment.
Graham previously played high school football at La Cueva in the Heights. Repeated concussions and an ankle injury halted his sports career.
Doctors prescribed him oxycodone for the injury. He built a tolerance and later bought street drugs.
He survived a shoulder gunshot as a teen. At age 20, a robber shot him in the leg.
Police arrested Graham in 2019 for hitting a vehicle. He entered diversion, but staff dropped him when charges were dismissed.
In 2023, New Mexico State Police arrested Graham during an undercover drug buy. That felony brought him back to Leos.
He started his final chance in February 2024 at age 24. He found support from gym partners Joel Chavez and Xavier Vasquez.
Graham spent two and a half years finishing the requirements. He delivered his final presentation on a recent Friday.
“Today, I am a college student at Central New Mexico Community College pursuing a career in physical therapy,” Graham said.
He also plans to become an active father to his daughter in Florida. Peers praised his progress during the session.
Therapist Jay Timmons of Duke City Recovery praised Graham for discovering his value. Leos reported that 85 percent of program graduates avoid new charges over three years.
Specialized Court Operations
Diversion programs offer supervised rehabilitation plans as alternatives to traditional prison sentences for qualifying offenders. Participants must comply with court mandates, treatment plans and regular hearings before judges dismiss their pending charges.
Graham plans to train other court participants at an Albuquerque gym while completing his college degree. He hopes to help others navigate similar challenges.
