Create And Track Police Department History
Written by CBKN76
In 2021, Officer Justin Garcia participated in the arrest of Pete Apodaca, who sustained significant injuries after being body-slammed during the encounter. The incident resulted in a lawsuit alleging excessive force. An internal investigation cleared Garcia of policy violations, and he was on administrative leave during the review. ## Officer Forum Links: – [Justin Garcia](https://watchaudits.com/forums/topic/justin-garcia/)
Written by CBKN76
In 2021, Officer Herman Martinez was involved in the arrest of Pete Apodaca, during which Apodaca suffered a broken collarbone, a cracked rib, and head and back injuries after being body-slammed to the ground. The incident led to a lawsuit alleging excessive force. Martinez had been accused of and disciplined for misconduct on previous occasions. […]
Written by CBKN76
In May 2014, while serving as a jail guard at the Otero County Jail, Dominic Torres sexually assaulted an inmate, Jennifer Hernandez, by fondling her in her cell and threatening to plant contraband if she reported the incident. Torres was fired and pleaded guilty to introduction of contraband and sexual assault, serving 30 days in […]
Written by CBKN76
In September 2007, Deputy Rob Hansen issued multiple citations to a restaurant owner, Henry Morgan Smith, for violations of New Mexico’s Clean Indoor Air Act. Smith alleged that Hansen and other deputies violated his Fourth Amendment rights by entering his restaurant without a warrant and issuing citations. Smith filed a lawsuit against the Otero County […]
Written by CBKN76
In September 2007, Otero County Sheriff’s deputies conducted operations targeting Latino residents, allegedly raiding homes without search warrants and detaining individuals without probable cause. Five Latino families filed a civil rights lawsuit against the Sheriff’s Department, alleging violations of the Fourth Amendment, due process, and equal protection rights. In April 2008, the parties reached a […]
Written by CBKN76
In 2008, while serving as a deputy with the Otero County Sheriff’s Department, Frank Methola was involved in an incident where he allegedly entered a resident’s mobile home without a warrant, threatened deportation, and used excessive force by slamming the resident to the ground. The resident filed a federal lawsuit against Methola, which was later […]
Written by CBKN76
In February 2018, while serving as a New Mexico State Police officer and former Otero County deputy, Jessica Turner was stopped by Otero County Sheriff’s deputies on suspicion of DWI near Alamogordo. Despite failing field sobriety tests and smelling of alcohol, deputies gave her a ride home instead of arresting her. Turner was later charged […]
Written by CBKN76
Written by CBKN76
In 2013, an officer from the Mora County Sheriff’s Office was investigated for falsifying reports and solicitation. The officer’s certification was revoked on April 18, 2013. Specific details about the incidents leading to the revocation are not provided in the available sources. ## Officer Forum Links: – [Unnamed Officer](https://watchaudits.com/forums/topic/unnamed-officer-22/)
Written by CBKN76
Deputy Noriega was among the deputies who, in February 2017, failed to report an off-duty deputy’s assault at a party to the appropriate authorities. An internal investigation revealed this failure to report, resulting in disciplinary actions within the department. ## Officer Forum Links: – [Deputy Arnold Noriega](https://watchaudits.com/forums/topic/deputy-arnold-noriega/)
Written by CBKN76
In February 2017, Deputy Rangel failed to report an off-duty deputy’s assault at a party to proper authorities. An internal investigation found that he lied to his superior and an internal affairs investigator about the incident, falsely claiming his injury resulted from a dog bite rather than the assault. This misconduct led to disciplinary actions […]
Written by CBKN76
Deputy Bennett arrived during the arrest of Robert Lee Carroll and applied physical force, including placing his knee on Mr. Carroll’s back while he was lying on his stomach. Although the court found his use of force to be objectively reasonable under the circumstances, his involvement in the incident contributed to a lawsuit alleging excessive […]
Written by CBKN76
Deputy Willie participated in the arrest of Robert Lee Carroll by assisting in restraining him. The court determined his use of force was objectively reasonable; however, his role in the incident was part of a lawsuit alleging excessive force and wrongful death. ## Officer Forum Links: – [Deputy Terence Willie](https://watchaudits.com/forums/topic/deputy-terence-willie/)
Written by CBKN76
In 2022, Deputy Holder was involved in the arrest of Robert Lee Carroll, during which he tased Mr. Carroll 18 times, leading to Mr. Carroll’s death. The court found the use of force to be objectively unreasonable, as Deputy Holder had opportunities to use lesser force or verbal commands to gain compliance. This incident resulted […]
Written by CBKN76
On July 4, 2009, Deputy Gabriel Maynes attempted to pull over Anna Gutierrez for running a stop sign. Gutierrez fled to her mother’s apartment, where Maynes used a taser on her multiple times, including after she was inside the apartment. Gutierrez sustained injuries, including two fractured ribs. Maynes also tased Gutierrez’s mother, Patsy Flores, when […]