DA County to appeal judge’s decision in favor of sheriff’s deputies union

Doña Ana County is appealing a judge’s decision in favor of a union that would result in pay raises for most Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Department deputies and personnel.

Third Judicial District Court Judge Manuel Arrieta issued a ruling in January in the case, rejecting Doña Ana County management’s request for him to overturn an earlier decision made by a federally certified arbitrator in favor of the union.

Although the decision was a victory for the union, the contract’s implementation remains in the hands of County Commissioners, who decided Thursday to appeal it further.

“Our deputies will give their lives, but obviously, there are people here that don’t feel that that’s worth it,” said Ken Roberts, Dona Ana County Undersheriff.

ABC-7’s New Mexico Mobile Newsroom has learned the sheriff’s office is also dealing with manpower issues and low morale. 28 deputies have left the department to apply with the Las Cruces Police Department or New Mexico State Police, officials told ABC-7.

A sheriff’s deputy, who wished to remain anonymous, disputed the claim deputies are leaving for better paying jobs. “No. Do not, under any circumstances, let them tell you that people are leaving for better pay,” the deputy said.

Another sheriff’s deputy, who also wished to remain anonymous, said employees are afraid to speak out due to the fear of being a target of an investigation and disciplined.

Sheriff Vigil told ABC-7 he is holding deputies accountable, but the deputy ABC-7 spoke with, said deputies are leaving because of the “current working environment.”

The deputy said “eveyone wants to work in a place where they feel appreciated, wanted and treated like adults.”