Accountability in Law Enforcement: Costilla County Sheriff and Department Members Indicted
Costilla County, Colorado – The Costilla County sheriff, undersheriff, and two other department members have been indicted by a grand jury on charges including second-degree assault, abuse of a corpse, official misconduct, and failure to intervene. The indictments were announced following an investigation by the 12th Judicial District Attorney’s Office prompted by reports of misconduct from Costilla County residents.
Sheriff Danny Sanchez and former deputy Keith Schultz are facing multiple counts of official misconduct and one count of abuse of a corpse related to their handling of unidentified human remains found in the Wild Horse Mesa area. Undersheriff Cruz Soto and Sgt. Caleb Sanchez are charged with unlawful use of force against a resident during a mental health crisis, with Soto indicted on failing to intervene and third-degree assault charges, and Caleb Sanchez facing second-degree and third-degree assault charges.
District Attorney Anne Kelly stressed the importance of holding law enforcement accountable and ensuring they adhere to legal standards like any other member of the community. The investigation is ongoing in response to additional reports of misconduct from county residents, with the District Attorney’s Office committed to investigating and prosecuting violations of Colorado law.
The 12th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, in collaboration with Assistant Attorney General Christian Champaign, secured the grand jury indictments. The community expects law enforcement officers to act with integrity and uphold the law, and accountability is crucial for restoring and maintaining public trust. The investigation continues, and the District Attorney’s Office remains dedicated to upholding the law and ensuring accountability in law enforcement.
In conclusion, the indictments of the Costilla County sheriff, undersheriff, and two other department members on charges of second-degree assault, abuse of a corpse, official misconduct, and failure to intervene highlight the importance of holding law enforcement accountable and upholding legal standards. The ongoing investigation by the 12th Judicial District Attorney’s Office aims to address reports of misconduct and ensure that all individuals, regardless of their title, are subject to the same legal scrutiny and accountability.