2 Las Cruces women suspected of harboring teen runaway: Police

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KVIA) -- Two Las Cruces women have been charged with felony counts for allegedly hosting a teenage runaway, according to police.

The Las Cruces Police Department said 49-year-old Crystal J. Buster and her mother, 68-year-old Kim Renee Stevenson, are suspected of "contributing to the delinquency" of a 15-year-old boy.

In July 2025, the Las Cruces Police Department received a report that the boy ran away from home. LCPD said they weren't able to locate him for more than a year.

Investigators said the missing boy may have been associated with Buster's 15-year-old daughter. Police interviewed the two women, who allegedly claimed they hadn't seen the boy in several months.

Police learned the boy may have been living with the girl in the women's home. Investigators learned he was there, police said.

On Sept. 11, 2026, police executed a search warrant at the home and found the boy hiding in a closet, LCPD said. Authorities took him into custody and issued a juvenile citation.

Police also took arrested Buster and Stevenson. Police alleged the women knew the boy ran away.

Buster faces two felony counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor and two counts of child abuse. Stevenson was charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor and two counts of failing to report child abuse or neglect.

Jail records said they booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center without bond on Wednesday.

After further investigation, Buster's 19-year-old daughter and her 19-year-old boyfriend were charged with two counts of failing to report child abuse or neglect. Police said they also lived in the women's home.

LCPD said it's illegal to intentionally harbor a runaway or missing juvenile. You can report a suspected crime to police at (575) 526-0795.