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Two New Mexico firefighters and a retired firefighter from the same department found themselves in court this week. They are facing allegations of engaging in a gang rape following a golf tournament.

Investigators uncovered incriminating text messages and internet search history, shedding light on the allegations.

Aden Heyman, 46, Angel Portillo, 36, and Anthony Martin, 44, are charged with criminal sexual penetration in the second degree.

Their arrest on Wednesday night sent shockwaves through the Albuquerque community.

“We were made aware of APD’s criminal investigation in July and took immediate steps to launch an internal investigation to determine if the employees violated AFR policies,” Fire Chief Emily Jaramillo said in a statement.

 “The three employees were immediately placed on administrative leave. The allegations were alarming, and we determined a thorough investigation was necessary to determine the facts. We are fully cooperating with APD investigators and treat these allegations seriously. Now that criminal charges have been filed in court, we will respect the judicial process and refrain from commenting on details of the case,” she added.

In a silent courtroom appearance via video, attorneys entered not-guilty pleas on their client’s behalf.

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Woman alleges gang rape

The incident took place on July 15, when the woman involved claims to have voluntarily spent the day drinking with Portillo and Martin at a golf tournament. 

Later, Martin extended an invitation to continue the evening at the swimming pool of The Villas at Menaul, an apartment complex on Menaul Boulevard in Albuquerque. 

It was there that Heyman joined the group, setting the stage for what the victim describes as a nightmarish ordeal.

According to the woman's account provided to the police, initially, everyone was swimming, laughing, and having fun. However, when Heyman arrived, it caused an inexplicable shift in energy. 

Her memory started to blur, and she recalled waking up to the horrifying sight of the men restraining her while taking turns sexually assaulting her. 

She described her state as "terrified," with Heyman allegedly assuming a commanding role, instructing and coaching the other two perpetrators.

In a desperate attempt to escape, the woman fabricated an excuse to use the restroom and managed to climb out of a window. 

She was discovered by a couple near the swimming pool, doubled over and in tears. They called the police around 11 p.m.

The woman told law enforcement that while she initially engaged in consensual sex with one of the men, the situation drastically changed after she "lost a couple of hours," with at least two men raping her. And everything that happened in the bedroom was not consensual.

All of the attorneys for the accused men contend that everything was consensual. And the courtroom will be marked by conflicting narratives.

Incriminating text messages

The victim’s sister is a lieutenant at Albuquerque Fire Rescue. And she had introduced Portillo to her sister.

Police obtained a breakthrough when they examined the sister's phone and uncovered a series of text messages that appeared to refer to the alleged rape.

Portillo, in one message, expressed being "upset with" himself and admitted that "alcohol influenced questionable decisions." 

Heyman, too, allegedly sent a text to the sister, apologizing if he had lost her trust and professing his deep care for her. These texts provided a troubling glimpse into the mindset of the individuals involved.

Further incriminating evidence surfaced in text messages exchanged between Heyman and Martin on July 18. 

In these messages, Heyman expressed a desire to keep the incident concealed, writing, "I don't think she wants people knowing about it." 

Martin responded with a similar sentiment, asserting, "I would hope it doesn't get out unless the worst happens or we mention it," followed by Heyman's pledge of secrecy, saying, "I'll never say a word about it to anyone, and I'm sure [Portillo] is on the same page."

Adding another layer to the investigation, police revealed that Heyman had conducted an internet search on August 7, inquiring about "how long does DNA stay in vagina." 

This unsettling query raised further questions about the events of that night and the subsequent attempts to conceal evidence of a gang rape.

In the wake of these shocking allegations, all three firefighters were placed on administrative leave, with Martin eventually choosing to retire from the department.

During the Thursday hearing, prosecutors successfully requested pretrial detention for each suspect, reflecting the gravity of the charges they face. 

Jason Bowles, Heyman's attorney, staunchly maintained his client's innocence, declaring that Heyman "has committed no crime."

 In contrast, Heather LeBlanc, Portillo's attorney, expressed disappointment in the pretrial detention decision, setting the stage for a contentious legal battle ahead.