Las Cruces, NM- On March 13th, 2025, New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau agents began investigating a theft that occurred at 249 North Armory Road in Las Cruces, the New Mexico Army National Guard.
Through their investigation, agents learned that Santiago Pacheco, a New Mexico State Police Officer and Sergeant with the National Guard, and one other soldier were present during sensitive item inventory, in the training months of February and March 2025, from which they allegedly took three pairs of night vision goggles.
On April 8th, 2025, Santiago Pacheco was arrested and charged with Larceny, a third-degree felony, and Conspiracy to commit Larceny, a fourth-degree felony. He was booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center and placed on standard administrative leave with the New Mexico State Police.
"I am extremely upset by the arrest of one of our officers," said New Mexico State Police Chief Troy Weisler. "As members of the New Mexico State Police, we are held to the highest standards. Those who cannot meet those standards, do not belong in this agency. His actions are unacceptable and do not reflect the integrity, dedication, and honor exhibited every single day by the men and women of this agency. We remain committed to being a department that holds our officers to the highest accountability standards—even if it means arresting one of our own."
