Police

FBI: Woman Indicted For Child Abuse Resulting In Death

FBI News:

ALBUQUERQUE — A Zuni woman has been indicted on federal charges for her alleged role in the death of a minor child.

According to court documents, on January 26, 2025, Miranda Cachini, 26, an enrolled member of the Zuni Pueblo, allowed a minor child to be placed in a dangerous situation which resulted in the child’s death. 

Cachini is charged with abuse of a child resulting in death and will remain in third-party custody pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted, Cachini faces up to 18 years in prison.

U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting Special Read More

New Mexico Department Of Game And Fish Conducting Wildlife Law Violation Checkpoints For Hunting, Fishing Seasons

NMGF News:

SANTA FE — The Department of Game and Fish (NMGF) is conducting checkpoints throughout the state this hunting season to collect biological data and to detect wildlife law violations. 

As a result, the public may encounter minor delays. Department officers may be assisted by other law enforcement agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, New Mexico State Police or county sheriff’s offices.

Citizens are encouraged to report any wildlife crime or suspected crime they may observe while enjoying New Mexico’s great outdoors. To report a wildlife Read More

FBI: Farmington Man Faces Federal Drug, Firearms Charges While On Supervised Release

FBI News:

ALBUQUERQUE — A Farmington man is facing federal charges following the discovery of methamphetamine, firearms, and ammunition during a search of his residence while he was on supervised release for a prior federal firearms conviction.

According to court documents, on June 13, 2025, Stephen Dye, 43, was arrested after agents from the Region Two Narcotics Task Force executed a search warrant at his residence in Farmington, New Mexico. During the search, agents seized approximately 177 grams of methamphetamine, suspected fentanyl pills, digital scales, packaging materials, Read More

Los Alamos Police Department Gains Two New Officers

The Los Alamos Police Department added two new officers to its roster today in a ceremony held in the Los Alamos Magistrate Court. The new officers are Cpl. Peter Rogahn, left, and Cpl. Jake Thomason. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com

Cpl. Peter Rogahn is sworn in by the Honorable Judge Catherine Taylor today in Magistrate Court. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com

His wife Amanda and son Tyrus were given the honor of pinning the new badge on Cpl. Peter Rogahn’s uniform today in Magistrate Court. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com

Jake Thomason is being sworn in by the Honorable Catherine Read More

Los Alamos Police Share Back To School Safety Reminders

LAPD News:

With the start of the new school year on the horizon, the Los Alamos Police Department (LAPD) is reminding all citizens to stay alert and prioritize safety throughout the community.

Los Alamos Public Schools will be back in session on Monday, Aug. 11, with the exception of Chamisa Elementary School, which will reopen to students on Wednesday, Aug. 13.

As students return to school, drivers are urged to slow down, avoid distractions and be cautious near schools, crosswalks, and bus stops.

All school zone warning lights will be in effect during morning drop-offs and afternoon pick-ups. Read More

FBI: Albuquerque Man Pleads Guilty To Exploiting Minors Via Social Media

FBI News:

ALBUQUERQUE — An Albuquerque man pleaded guilty to federal charges involving the exploitation of minors using social media platforms.

According to court records, between June 2021 and March 2023, Adrian Puentes, 25, used Instagram and Snapchat to coerce and entice two minors under the age of 18 to engage in illegal sexual activity. Puentes admitted that he threatened one victim, demanding sexually explicit photographs and stating he would share them publicly if she did not comply. He used Snapchat to persuade the second victim to meet in person for sexual activity, including sending Read More

FBI: Thoreau Woman Sentenced To 24 Months For Fatal DUI

FBI News:

ALBUQUERQUE — A Thoreau woman has been sentenced to 24 months in prison after pleading guilty to involuntary manslaughter for driving while intoxicated and fatally striking John Doe with her vehicle following an altercation.

According to court records, on the morning of May 28, 2023, Nora Abeita, 50, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, and several others, including John Doe, consumed alcohol together. After an altercation with John Doe, Abeita attempted to leave the residence with a friend. While driving away, Abeita struck John Doe with her vehicle and did not immediately Read More

FBI: Santa Fe Man Sentenced 10 Years In Prison For Drug Trafficking And Firearms Offenses

FBI News:

ALBUQUERQUE – A previously convicted felon was sentenced to 120 months in prison for possessing and distributing heroin and methamphetamine while illegally possessing firearms.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court records, the early morning hours of July 8, 2020, officers from the Española Police Department responded to a 911 call reporting a suspicious vehicle parked outside a residence. Officers found Antonio Quintana-Pena, 40, unconscious behind the wheel of a gray Nissan. In his lap was a silver and black box containing a baseball-sized bundle of Read More

FBI: Dulce Man Charged With Shooting Minor During Argument Inside A Vehicle

FBI News:

ALBUQUERQUE – A Dulce man has been charged in federal court for allegedly shooting a minor during an argument inside a vehicle.

According to court documents, on July 21, 2025, the minor victim was in a vehicle with another person when they picked up Leandrew Cody Velarde, 21, an enrolled member of the Jicarilla Apache Nation, who appeared intoxicated. During a subsequent argument, a gun discharged, striking the victim in the buttocks. When the victim attempted to call 911, Velarde reportedly threw their phone and fled the scene.

The victim was airlifted to a local hospital for treatment.

Read More

Guns Vs. Hoses To ‘Battle’ For Special Olympics Aug. 22

LAPD News:

The Los Alamos Police Department (LAPD) and Los Alamos Fire Department (LAFD) will be playing a softball game at 6 p.m., Friday, Aug. 22, on Lovato Field at Overlook Park in White Rock.

This “Guns” (LAPD) and “Hoses” (LAFD) fun battle is being held to raise money for the Special Olympics. It has been a long tradition for LAPD and LAFD to come together to support local Special Olympic athletes.  

Police and Fire members paid $25 per person to put on this game for the public; the game is free to watch, but donations will go to support this cause.

For more information, contact Det. Cindy Garcia Read More