Grant County deputy Faces charges of Assault, Animal Cruelty
Silver City — May 24, 2024 — A Grant county sheriff’s deputy faces multiple charges including crimes against a fellow officer and animal cruelty.
The investigation by the New Mexico State Police followed reports of alleged misconduct involving Deputy Alejandro Gomez. The charges include aggravated assault on a peace officer and cruelty to animals, stemming from incidents that occurred in August, as reported by Deputy Marcus Salas. This case highlights the importance of accountability and the need for thorough investigations. For more detailed accounts and related developments, stay tuned.
Grant County Deputy Faces Charges of Assault, Animal Cruelty
A Grant County sheriff’s deputy, Alejandro Gomez, is facing serious charges after a fellow deputy reported multiple incidents of alleged misconduct. The charges include aggravated assault on a peace officer and extreme cruelty to animals. here’s a breakdown of the case.
The Allegations
deputy Marcus Salas reported several incidents to the District Attorney’s Office in January, leading to an investigation by the New mexico State Police. The incidents allegedly occurred in August.
- Aggravated Assault: Accusations include Gomez pointing his stun gun and firearm at Salas during separate incidents.
- Animal Cruelty: Gomez is accused of killing a baby rabbit during an on-duty incident.
Legal Proceedings
Gomez is scheduled for a preliminary examination in Grant County Magistrate Court. Sixth Judicial District Attorney Norman Wheeler appointed Assistant District Attorney Marco Serna as a special prosecutor.
Pro Tip: Understanding Aggravated Assault
In New Mexico, aggravated assault can include the use of a deadly weapon or causing serious bodily injury. [1] The specific elements determine the severity of the charge.
Charges:
- Four counts of third-degree felony aggravated assault on a peace officer with a deadly weapon.
- extreme cruelty to animals, a fourth-degree felony.
A third-degree felony conviction carries a potential sentence of three years in prison, while a fourth-degree felony is punishable by 18 months in prison.
Gomez was served with an arrest warrant and released on a $25,000 bond.
The Sheriff’s Office Response
Grant County Sheriff Raul Villanueva addressed the accusations, stating:
I want to assure the citizens of Grant County that I, as your sheriff, do not condone misconduct of any kind. I have taken every possible step to address the situation and ensure accountability within the department. While I cannot personally oversee every action taken by those serving in the field, my command staff and I are committed to guiding our deputies to uphold the highest standards of conduct.
Grant County sheriff Raul Villanueva
Villanueva added that upon learning of the accusations, the deputies were assigned to different shifts, and an internal investigation was launched by an outside agency.Gomez has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
Detailed Incident Reports
According to the affidavit, Deputy Salas reported the following incidents:
August 5 Incident
Salas stated he was working on a computer at the Grant County Administration Center when Gomez took his personal cell phone and ran through the office with it. When Salas chased him, Gomez allegedly:
- Stopped and pointed his stun gun at Salas, who smacked it away.
- later, after Salas picked up Gomez’s vest (where he kept his stun gun), Gomez allegedly unholstered his duty weapon and pointed it at Salas.
Salas told investigators he feared being stunned or shot due to Gomez’s reckless behavior. Cpl.Cesar Torres reportedly witnessed the incident but did not intervene.
August 16 Incident: Operation Stonegarden
During an overtime shift for Operation Stonegarden,a federal program supporting border security,Salas,Gomez,Torres,and Sgt. Brandon Reese were driving near Hachita. Salas stopped his vehicle after spotting a baby rabbit.
Did You Know?
Operation Stonegarden provides funding to local law enforcement agencies to enhance border security. the program aims to improve cooperation between federal,state,and local agencies.
Salas, who described himself as an outdoor enthusiast and loves animals,
picked up the rabbit to move it from the road. the affidavit details what happened next:
- Other deputies exited their vehicles and took photos and videos, laughing.
- Gomez repeatedly asked to hold the rabbit,but Salas refused,fearing Gomez might harm it.
- Gomez then drew his stun gun and pointed it at Salas, demanding,
Give it to me right now.
- Reese, laughing, also urged Salas to hand over the rabbit.
- Salas reluctantly gave the rabbit to Gomez, who allegedly threw it against a patrol vehicle, fatally injuring it.Salas then
dispatched the animal so it would not suffer.
Later that night, Gomez allegedly pointed his weapon at Salas’ face from close range. Salas, upset by the lack of intervention from supervisors, filed a formal complaint in late september.
Aftermath and Investigation
Salas reported the incidents to commanders, believing the Sheriff’s Office did not adequately intervene. An internal affairs investigation was conducted, but Salas felt it resulted in little disciplinary action.
Sheriff Villanueva assured the public that his office is committed to accountability and is working with involved agencies to reach a just resolution. He encouraged the public to contact him directly with questions or concerns.
FAQ: key Questions Answered
- what charges dose Deputy Gomez face?
- Four counts of third-degree felony aggravated assault on a peace officer with a deadly weapon and extreme cruelty to animals, a fourth-degree felony.
- What is Operation Stonegarden?
- A federal program that provides funds to local law enforcement to support border security operations.
- What has been the Sheriff’s office response?
- An internal investigation was launched, and Deputy Gomez was placed on administrative leave.
- What is the potential prison sentence for the charges?
- A third-degree felony carries a potential sentence of three years, and a fourth-degree felony carries 18 months.
