Bail bondsman convicted of two fraud charges

• Daniel Goldberg Sr. convicted of fourth-degree felony fraud and petty misdemeanor fraud.
• The felony has a max sentence of 18 months in prison. The misdemeanor has a max of six months.
• Goldberg's attorney plans to file a motion for mistrial and a motion to set aside the verdict.
• The case was one of three involving Goldberg that were scheduled to go to trial this year.

FARMINGTON — Daniel Goldberg Sr. has been convicted of fraud for extorting money from a woman who secured a bond through his bail bond company.

Goldberg was convicted of fourth-degree felony fraud and petty misdemeanor fraud on Friday after a two-day jury trial in district court, according to San Juan County Chief Deputy District Attorney Dustin O'Brien.

Goldberg was charged with fraud after he collected two payments — $950 and $100 — from a woman who did not owe money on her bond from a September 2014 arrest, according to the arrest warrant affidavit.

The felony charge carries a maximum sentence of 18 months in prison, and the petty misdemeanor charge has a maximum of six months, O'Brien said. A sentencing date has not been set.

Goldberg's attorney, Eric Morrow, said Friday's verdict was a "miscarriage of justice." He said several rulings during the trial adversely affected the outcome.

Morrow said he plans to file a motion for mistrial and a motion to set aside the verdict. He said the court allowed a witness to testify who is not qualified to give testimony about bonds in New Mexico.

Morrow said that based on a conversation he had with a juror after the trial, he believes the verdict was based on misinformation.

When asked about Morrow's statements, O'Brien said it's common for defense attorneys to search for reasons to challenge a verdict.

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The case was one of three involving Goldberg that were scheduled to go to trial this year, according to court records.

In another case, Goldberg faces 11 felony charges for fraud, extortion and racketeering, along with five misdemeanor fraud charges, for similar allegations made by people who bonded with several businesses associated with Goldberg.

That case is scheduled for trial on Aug. 15, according to court records.

Another case involving eight felony fraud charges against Goldberg in connection to his activities as a bail bondsman is scheduled for trial on May 4, according to court records.

Joshua Kellogg covers education for The Daily Times. He can be reached at 505-564-4627.