Michael Garcia, Sexually Assaulting Police Intern, New Mexico 2011
Former Las Cruces Detective Pleads Guilty to Sexually Assaulting Police Intern
Las Cruces, N.M. - In a shocking case of abuse of power, Michael Garcia, a former detective with the Las Cruces Police Department (LCPD), has pleaded guilty to violating the civil rights of an LCPD student intern by sexually abusing her while on duty.
According to court documents, Garcia worked with students who participated in Las Cruces High School's Excel program, through which students interned at the LCPD. On May 4, 2011, Garcia took the victim on a ride-along in his department-issued vehicle to visit a crime scene. Instead of driving the victim directly back to the police department, Garcia drove her to a secluded location where he sexually assaulted her.
As part of the plea agreement, Garcia acknowledged that he knew his actions were against the law and that the victim did not consent to his behavior.
“The defendant exploited his position as a sex crimes detective in a most deplorable way,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Jocelyn Samuels for the Civil Rights Division. “The Civil Rights Division will continue to vigorously prosecute law enforcement officers who use their authority to engage in sexual abuse. We commend the victim for having the courage to come forward, and we are thankful for law enforcement officers in this case, as well as the vast majority of others, who support and help victims of crime.”
As a result of his plea, Garcia faces a prison sentence. He is also required to forfeit his law enforcement certification and comply with federal and state sex offender registration requirements. A sentencing hearing has not yet been set.
This case is being investigated by the Las Cruces Resident Agency of Albuquerque Division of the FBI and the LCPD and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark T. Baker and Holland S. Kastrin for the District of New Mexico and Trial Attorney Fara Gold of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division.
Garcia's actions are a stark reminder of the abuse of power that can occur within law enforcement agencies. The Grimy Times urges all victims of sexual assault to come forward and seek justice.
Mandatory Facts:
Defendant: Michael Garcia
Criminal Charges: Violating the civil rights of an LCPD student intern by sexually abusing her while on duty.
City and State: Las Cruces, New Mexico
Exact Date: May 4, 2011
Sentence or Outcome: Prison sentence, loss of law enforcement certification, and compliance with federal and state sex offender registration requirements.
Key Facts
- State: Federal
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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