Los Alamos Police Chief Dino Sgambellone, center, Deputy Chief James Rodriguez, center, left, police command staff, officers, and other personnel gathered Thursday at Fuller Lodge to honor Cmdr. Preston Ballew, back row center, as he retires from a 26-year career in law enforcement. Many officials, including County Manager Anne Laurent, along with family members and friends, filled Fuller Lodge to celebrate with Cmdr. Ballew on his final day on the job. Cmdr. Ballew said he has a couple of hunting and fishing trips scheduled, adding that he and his wife Marisha love Los Alamos and intend to Read More
Police
FBI: Shiprock Man Indicted On Federal Charges Of Assault And Kidnapping Of Minors … Faces Up To Life In Prison
Keanu Lee booking photo
FBI News:
ALBUQUERQUE — A Shiprock man has been indicted on federal charges in connection with the sexual assault and kidnapping of two victims in Indian Country.
According to court documents, between June 2024 and Feb. 2025, Keanu Lee, 33, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, forcibly sexually assaulted a minor identified as Jane Doe 1. Lee is further accused of kidnapping Jane Doe 1 and assaulting her, causing serious bodily injury.
The indictment also alleges that between 2012 and 2014, Lee sexually assaulted a second minor victim, identified as Jane Doe 2.
Lee Read More
FBI: Federal Charges Filed In Assault Case
FBI News:
ALBUQUERQUE — Two men have been indicted on federal charges for an assault that left one victim seriously injured.
According to court documents, on January 10, 2025, Myron Scott, 34, of Navajo, New Mexico, and Eric Scott, 34, of Fort Defiance, Arizona, both enrolled members of the Navajo Nation, assaulted John and Jane Doe with a baseball bat and a large stick, resulting in serious bodily injury to John Doe.
Myron and Eric are both charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury for the attack on John Doe. Myron faces an additional count of assault Read More
FBI: Two Albuquerque Men Plead Guilty To Harboring Undocumented Immigrants And Ransom Conspiracy
FBI News:
ALBUQUERQUE — Two Albuquerque men have pleaded guilty to conspiring to transport and harbor undocumented immigrants after federal agents uncovered a stash house linked to a kidnapping and ransom scheme.
According to court documents, the investigation began on March 1, 2025, when the FBI received a kidnapping complaint reporting that the victim’s family was being extorted for ransom under threats of violence and cartel involvement. Agents traced the ransom calls to a residence in southwest Albuquerque and executed a search warrant the following day. Inside, they found 11 undocumented Read More
Los Alamos Police Cmdr. Preston Ballew Retires After 26 Years Of Service
Los Alamos Police Cmdr. Preston Ballew on Wednesday in his office at the Los Alamos Police Department. He retires today, Sept. 11, after 26 years of law enforcement service. Courtesy/Chris Ross
By CAROL A. CLARK
Los Alamos Daily Post
caclark@ladailypost.com
On the eve of his retirement, Los Alamos County Police Cmdr. Preston Ballew said it has been his honor to serve “this outstanding community” for nearly three decades. He retires today, Sept. 11, following a 26-year career in law enforcement.
“My service is complete. I’ve been a police officer since I was 21 years old,” Cmdr. Ballew said. Read More
New Mexico State Police See Strong Gains In Public Safety Efforts Midway Through 2025
NMSP Chief Troy Weisler
NMSP News:
SANTA FE — The New Mexico State Police (NMSP) is proud to announce significant progress in statewide public safety efforts as reflected in the 2025 mid-year data.
From increased arrests of dangerous offenders to fewer vehicle crashes on New Mexico roads, the numbers show measurable improvements driven by the dedication and professionalism of our officers.
Between January and June 2025, NMSP officers have taken aggressive action to enhance public safety across the state:
- Arrests: NMSP made 4,481 arrests in the first half of the year, a 10.70% increase compared
Los Alamos Police And LANL Collaborate To Locate Lab Subcontractor Wanted For Discharging Firearm Into Ceiling Of Local Hotel
Mathew True
LAPD News:
On the morning of Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025, Los Alamos police officers were dispatched to the Hampton Inn at 124 N.M. 4 in White Rock in response to a report of suspicious circumstances.
During the course of the investigation, officers determined that on the night of Saturday, Sept. 6, an individual staying in one of the hotel rooms had discharged a firearm into the ceiling of the room.
The individual was identified as Mathew True, a resident of Tehachapi, Calif., and a subcontractor at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL).
With the cooperation and assistance of LANL personnel, Read More
FBI: Zuni Man Sentenced To 10 Years In Federal Prison For Shooting Zuni Resident
FBI News:
ALBUQUERQUE — A Zuni man was sentenced to 10 years and one month in prison for shooting a man during a confrontation.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, Sept. 19, 2024, Devin Wade Wyaco, 34, an enrolled member of the Zuni Pueblo, fired a handgun from the passenger seat of a moving vehicle at two bicyclists following a dispute, striking one of them in the abdomen. The victim was treated at a local hospital and survived the shooting.
As a previously convicted felon, Wyaco was prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition.
Wyaco pled guilty to three Read More
DEA Surge Targets Sinaloa Cartel Networks Worldwide
DEA News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Monday, the Drug Enforcement Administration announced the results of a week-long operational surge aimed at dismantling the Sinaloa Cartel, one of the world’s most violent and powerful drug cartels, responsible for flooding the United States with fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin.
In February, the Trump Administration designated the Sinaloa Cartel, along with seven other groups, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. The Sinaloa Cartel remains one of the most significant threats to public safety, public health and our national security. Read More
