Costilla County has a new sheriff after commissioners appointed Deputy Joe Smith to the position during a special meeting yesterday.
Smith replaces former Sheriff Danny Sanchez, who resigned Saturday after he, along with the undersheriff and three deputies, was indicted on charges including misconduct, abuse of a corpse, assault, and failure to intervene.
During the meeting, commissioners noted that Smith, one other deputy, and an inmate transportation officer are currently the only remaining staff members in the sheriff’s office.
Smith will serve as sheriff until voters select a new sheriff in the upcoming election later this year.
