🌱 How a Belen man’s fraud scheme led to federal prison time

Good day Belen! We're here again with what you need to know today. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

• How a Belen man’s fraud scheme led to federal prison time

Also on today's calendar: A Fundraiser Event for Albuquerque's Unhoused and 3 more events.

Today's riddle: What did the inventor of the knock-knock joke win? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Weather forecast:

• Friday: Strong winds developing, with a high of 78 and low of 36 degrees.
• Saturday: Mostly sunny and nice, temps: high: 70, low: 38.
• Sunday: Breezy in the afternoon, with a high of 76 and low of 48 degrees.

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📰 News we're reading

• Belen man sentenced for unemployment fraud scheme (krqe.com) — A Belen resident has been sentenced to more than three years in federal prison for an unemployment fraud scheme that brought in over $177,000. Prosecutors say Joseph Martinez used fake and stolen identities to file bogus claims and open bank accounts, and he must now repay nearly $178,000, complete community service, and serve five years of supervised release after prison.
   

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📸 Around Belen

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Belen

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

Saturday April 18

• 3rd Annual Socorro Community Conversation on Water
  SABINAL COMMUNITY CENTER, 753 NM-116, Bosque
  11:00 am

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

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Other local events

Sunday April 19

• Laundry Love
  600 S Main St , Belen
  3:00 pm

Friday April 24

• Talent show
  Dennis Chavez Elementary Belen, NM 87002
  8:00 am

Saturday April 25

• Men's Retreat 2026
  First Baptist Church Los Lunas , 914 Los Lentes Rd SE , Los Lunas

Sunday May 3

• A Fundraiser Event for Albuquerque's Unhoused
  Cathedral of St John , 318 Silver Ave SW , Albuquerque
  3:00 pm

Tuesday May 12

• Breakfast Bags for Belen
  731 N Main St , Belen
  3:30 pm

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📣 Belen Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

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🗓 Events Nearby

Friday April 24

• Talent show
  Dennis Chavez Elementary Belen, NM 87002
  8:00 am

Saturday April 25

• Men's Retreat 2026
  First Baptist Church Los Lunas , 914 Los Lentes Rd SE , Los Lunas

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

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Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• I'm trying to locate a dog and would appreciate any help.
  Many of you may know or have seen Chris and his dog, Rose, around Belen. Chris is homeless and usually can be found at the Circle K on Main/304… (Nextdoor Rio Comm)
• Has anyone seen our dog.
  She got out of the house last night and we haven't seen her since. Will offer reward if she's returned to us safely, last seen around the casa… (Nextdoor Gavilan Rd)

• Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores, Inc. posted a job opening for Retail Cashier Part Time in Belen. Apply here.
• Moss posted a job opening for Solar Safety Manager in Belen. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Belen here.

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🗞 Nearby News

Los Lunas

• Los Lunas Council revives Lodgers Tax Board (news-bulletin.com)
• Plan now to attend free gardening survival series workshop (news-bulletin.com)
• Gallup rallies late to edge Kirtland Central, extends win streak over district rival (navajotimes.com)

Albuquerque

• Civil War tokens with the Albuquerque Coin Club (krqe.com)
• Albuquerque expands solar lighting to neighborhood streets (koat.com)
• Ronald McDonald House to host fundraiser at Topgolf (kob.com)

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Ok Belen! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: The NO-BELL prize (Thank you Gina M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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