Investigation into jail boss spawned thousands of documents, no charges

Four binders full of documents and several man hours were put into the investigation of Dona Aa County Jail Administrator Chris Barela.

The case was eventually dismissed — and Thursday — ABC-7 obtained the entire case filing.

Barela was arrested Dec. 8 on one count of fraud over $20,000 or, in the alternative, one count of embezzlement over $20,000, one count of bringing contraband (a rifle) into the jail and willful neglect of duty.

The six-month investigation took more than 1,000 man hours, including more than 90 witness interviews.

According to investigators with the Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Office, at least 18 meetings were held with the district attorney.

In a statement released to ABC-7 at the time of the dismissal, District Attorney Mark D’Antonio said there wasn’t enough evidence to go to trial.

Barela had been placed on paid administrative leave during the investigation and has since returned to his job.

The binders along with a power point presentation on a computer drive contains more than 7,000 documents, show that there were allegations of missing television sets and exercise equipment, frequent contraband, intimidation of witnesses and improper use of employees’ time.

Barela has since filed a tort claim notice alleging false arrest and he could sue Doa Ana County.