The 12th Judicial District Attorney’s Office is inviting members of the Costilla County community to share concerns about negative interactions with the sheriff’s office during an open forum tonight.
The meeting will focus on ongoing efforts to investigate reports of misconduct following recent indictments involving former leadership within the department.
A grand jury indicted the former sheriff, undersheriff, and three deputies on charges including official misconduct, abuse of a corpse, assault, and failure to intervene. Former Sheriff Danny Sanchez resigned from office the day after the charges were filed.
Earlier this week, the Costilla County Board of Commissioners appointed Deputy Joe Smith as interim sheriff. According to the DA’s Office, Smith is currently the only full-time employee working in the sheriff’s office.
The open forum will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Alamosa County Courthouse. Community members are encouraged to attend and share their experiences.
