FORMER SHERIFF’S DEPUTY CHARGED WITH THEFT OF GOVERNMENT PROPERTY AND DRUG TRAFFICKING
A superseding indictment has been returned against former Colfax County Sheriff’s Deputy Vidal Sandoval, 45, of Cimarron, N.M., charging him with two theft of government property offenses in addition to a drug trafficking offense.
The superseding indictment charges Sandoval with aiding and abetting an attempt to possess cocaine with intent to distribute in Colfax County, N.M., and two theft of government property offenses for allegedly stealing money from undercover FBI agents during two traffic stops.
According to the indictment, on Feb. 28, 2015, Sandoval aided and abetted an attempt to possess cocaine with intent to distribute in Colfax County, N.M. The indictment included forfeiture provisions seeking a money judgment in the amount of at least $19,500.00, the proceeds Sandoval allegedly obtained as a result of his unlawful conduct.
The two new theft of government charges in the superseding indictment allege that Sandoval stole money belonging to the FBI on Dec. 15, 2014 and Jan. 25, 2015. During the Dec. 15, 2014 traffic stop, Sandoval allegedly stole $7,500.00 from the undercover agents, and during the Jan. 25, 2015 traffic stop, he allegedly stole $2,000.00 from them.
At the time of the offenses charged in the superseding indictment, Sandoval was a deputy of the Colfax County Sheriff’s Office. Sandoval resigned following his arrest.
Defendant: Vidal Sandoval, 45, of Cimarron, N.M.
Criminal Charges: Aiding and abetting an attempt to possess cocaine with intent to distribute, two theft of government property offenses.
City and State: Albuquerque, N.M.
Exact Date: March 13, 2015 (arrest date)
Sentence or Outcome: Currently released on conditions of release, pending trial on June 15, 2015.
Dollar Amounts: $19,500.00 (forfeiture), $7,500.00 (stolen from undercover agents), $2,000.00 (stolen from undercover agents).
This case was investigated by the Santa Fe and Albuquerque offices of the FBI and the New Mexico State Police with assistance from the Colfax County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean J. Sullivan is prosecuting the case.
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Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Category: Drug Trafficking,Fraud & Financial Crimes,Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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