Ruidoso police officer arrested & charged with child solicitation by New Mexico State Police

A Ruidoso police officer has been arrested on suspicion of child solicitation over the internet, the New Mexico State Police confirmed Friday night.

According to a statement from state police, 35-year-old Daniel Balding was communicating with someone he thought was a 15-year-old girl online. But in fact, he had been exchanging photos and sexually explicit conversations with a U.S. Homeland Security special agent.

The agent contacted the New Mexico State Police, which arrested Balding on Sept. 12.

At this time, Balding has been charged with one count of child solicitation by electronic communication device.

State police said the investigation remains active and no other information was available at this time.