2 City of Las Cruces employees arrested

Two City of Las Cruces employees have been arrested and charged with felonies related to them allegedly falsifying public documents, diverting resources to work on a private project and misappropriating materials paid for by the City of Las Cruces.

Robert “Bob” Medina Jr., 43, and Jesus “Chuy” Vasquez, 31, both employees of the City’s Transportation Department, are charged with two counts of forgery and two counts of conspiracy. Medina also faces two counts of embezzlement while Vasquez faces one such count.

An anonymous tip to Las Cruces Police detectives in Aug. 2013 led them to investigate the alleged transgressions.

Detectives say that in July 2010 Medina, Vasquez and another city employee built a concrete patio at Medina’s residence.

According to police, cement poured for the patio was billed to the City and the employees completed the project while on duty with the City.

Medina and Vasquez were both arrested Feb. 20, and booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center with bonds set at $25,000 each.

Las Cruces Police detectives are continuing their investigation and additional charges are possible.