Las Cruces Police Dept. release more details on arrest of detective

Las Cruces Police Chief Richard Williams spoke Monday about his department’s credibility after the arrest of one of his veteran detectives over the weekend on a charge of rape.

Williams said the actions do not represent the department as a whole.

Detective Michael Garcia, 37, was arrested on Friday. According to police, Garcia is charged with a count of criminal sexual penetration of a minor. He also faces a charge of criminal sexual contact of a minor. Both charges are felonies.

Garcia is a 15-year veteran of the Las Cruces Police Department.

Police say they first learned of an incident involving Garcia and a teen this week. According to information released by the Las Cruces Police Department, there is no indication that the incident was consensual.

Garcia posted bond shortly after the arrest. He was originally being held at the Dona Ana County Detention Center on a $20,000 bond.

Williams said Garcia committed the act while on duty. A police lieutenant told ABC-7 the officer and the alleged victim knew each other from her volunteer work.

The police lieutenant said it was a one-time incident that happened a long time ago. There have been no previous complaints or problems with Garcia.