BREAKING: Sunland Park City Official accused of embezzlement, sexual assault of a child

The Sunland Park city official accused of embezzlement is also accused of sexually assaulting a girl.

Sheriff’s deputies arrested Sunland Park Community Services Superintendent Chris Ruiz, 32, Wednesday May 24, 2017 and charged him with Embezzlement under $250 and Criminal Sexual Contact of a Child.

Sunland Park City Manager, Bob Gallagher, told ABC-7 the alleged actions by Ruiz did not occur on city property or during his scheduled work time.

“At no time did he have contact with any children during his work responsibilities,” Gallagher said, “This is extremely disappointing and makes me sick to my stomach.”

Ruiz, who has been employed with the City of Sunland Park for three years, has been placed on unpaid administrative leave due to the allegation involving the felony moral turpitude offense.

The investigation into Ruiz had been going on for the past two weeks with the cooperation of the Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Office.