Costilla County Sheriff Danny Sanchez resigned Saturday, one day after being indicted by a 12th Judicial District grand jury. The Costilla County Board of Commissioners is expected to appoint a new sheriff today.
The grand jury issued indictments against Sheriff Sanchez, the undersheriff, and three deputies following multiple investigations into alleged misconduct.
According to court documents, Sheriff Sanchez and former Deputy Keith Schultz were each indicted on five counts of official misconduct and one count of abuse of a corpse related to their handling of unidentified human remains discovered in 2024 in the Wild Horse Mesa area. Investigators allege the two removed a skull from the scene, left other remains behind, and failed to properly report the discovery.
Documents further state that Schultz later placed bones in a bag and left it unsecured on his desk. The bag reportedly went missing while he was away responding to another call.
Additional indictments stem from a separate incident involving the use of force against a community member experiencing a mental health crisis. Sheriff Sanchez’s son, Sergeant Caleb Sanchez, along with Deputy Roland Riley, were indicted on assault charges in connection to that case. Undersheriff Cruz Soto faces two counts of failing to intervene.
Twelfth Judicial District Attorney Anne Kelly emphasized the importance of public trust in law enforcement following the indictments.
“No citizen of the San Luis Valley should have any doubts about the integrity of their police force,” Kelly said. “This office is not afraid to defend that trust.”
Kelly also noted that state and neighboring law enforcement agencies will assist with policing duties in Costilla County during the transition period.
The investigation and legal proceedings remain ongoing.
