Bribery charges dismissed against former Sunland Park interim police chief
A Las Cruces district judge dismissed charges Monday against a former Sunland Park interim police chief.
Luis Monarez was charged with bribery and conspiracy to commit bribery — both fourth degree felonies.
In April 2012, Monarez was accused of accepting the position of interim police chief in exchange for getting his sister to not run against Jessica Avila in the city’s six-district city council race.
The city’s then-mayor-elect Daniel Salinas allegedly hired Monarez if he could make the arrangement with his sister.
Salinas faces similar charges as Monarez.
The Dona Ana County district attorney said the evidence did not support the charges against Monarez so District Judge Darren Kugler dismissed the case.
