Ex-New Mexico Officer, 15-Year-Old Girl’s Wedding Raises Eyebrows

The sexual relationship between a 29-year-old former city police officer and a 15-year-old girl, now a married couple, is now the subject of a New Mexico state police investigation and a special prosecutor.

The Albuquerque Journal reported that former Truth of Consequences police officer Noah Pestak could face a statutory rape charge after he married the pregnant 15-year-old last month.

Three judges, including Pestak’s father, Magistrate Thomas Pestak, also are under investigation in connection for their role in approving the marriage.

Noah Pestak resigned from the southern New Mexico police department a week following his marriage ceremony.

One state law criminalizes an adult’s sexual relations with a minor under the age of 16.

Another law permits the marriage of a girl under 16 if she is pregnant.