Las Cruces couple indicted on 14 counts of child abuse

Authorities say a Las Cruces couple has been indicted on 14 counts of child abuse.

The Dona Ana County District Attorney Office announced Friday that a grand jury has indicted 28-year-old Josie Rubio and her 24-year-old boyfriend Stephan Cordero for allegedly abusing her two children over the past year.

County Sheriff’s officials say the 11-year-old boy told investigators that he was forced to sleep outside, beaten with a stick and shot in the hand with a pellet gun by Cordero.

Authorities say the 12-year-old girl says her mother stomped on her stomach and Cordero allegedly beat her with a leather belt.

Rubio is being held on a $1 million bond. Cordero is being held without bond.

Prosecutors say if convicted, both defendants face three years in prison for each count.