LAS VEGAS, N.M. (KRQE) – A New Mexico sheriff’s deputy is facing criminal charges including battery. Court documents claimed a San Miguel County Sheriff’s deputy helped restrain a woman while she got beat up after a party got out of hand.
New Mexico State Police alleged Deputy Justin Padilla was having a party at his house when he helped hold down a woman so another woman could hit her. The report stated police were called to Deputy Padilla’s home in Las Vegas around 12:45 a.m. on September 10, 2023.
Police noticed Padilla had dirt all over his clothes and when they asked what happened, he told police there were “some chicks fighting.” The female victim said she was with a male friend at Padilla’s party when a woman came up to her and started yelling.
The victim said she was trying to leave when the woman became physical towards her. The complaint also stated Deputy Padilla told officers the fight started because one woman was flirting with the other woman’s boyfriend.
According to the report, the victim told police she was jumped, and Padilla and another man grabbed her legs and held her down on the ground while two women came up and hit her. Bystanders at the party eventually separated the individuals. That same night, the police met up with the victim, who they noticed had multiple injuries including a cut on her left cheek, cuts on her right forearm, and nails missing on her left hand.
In a social media post, the San Miguel County Sheriff’s Office posted that the District Attorney’s Office and the Sheriff’s Office will be reviewing the criminal cases and active investigations Deputy Padilla has played a role in.
Deputy Padilla has been placed on administrative leave due to the investigation. He is facing battery and false imprisonment charges.
