Parents arrested after children test positive for cocaine, Dona Ana Sheriff’s officials say

Doa Ana County Sheriff’s investigators have arrested a Chaparral man and charged his common-law wife after two children in their home allegedly tested positive for cocaine, according to sheriff’s officials.

Enrique Gutierrez, 29, and Dometilla Rosales, 41, each face two counts of negligent child abuse after investigators say an 11-year old boy and a 2-year-old girl in their care tested positive for cocaine.

Gutierrez was arrested Friday afternoon after a Doa Ana County Sheriff’s deputy recognized Gutierrez from a warrant alert issued Thursday.

Gutierrez was reportedly seen getting out of his vehicle in front of his home in the 600 block of Mesilla View in Chaparral.

Child Protective Services referred the case to the sheriff’s office after receiving an anonymous tip that the couple was using drugs in the home with other children present, according to sheriff’s officials.

The 11-year-old is Rosales’s child from a previous relationship and the 2-year-old is the couple’s child together.

At the time the alleged incident occurred, there were reportedly a total of four children living in the family home. Because Rosales is cooperating with authorities, investigators say a warrant for her arrest will be waived.

Gutierrez was booked into the Doa Ana County Detention Center on a $30,000 cash bond.