Las Cruces daycare owner charged with criminal sexual conduct with a minor

Update: The Las Cruces Police Department says that Cardiel is the co-owner of a "now shuttered daycare facility." The New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department had opened an investigation against Cardiel Childcare Services, located on the 5500 block of Century Lane. The investigators reportedly stated the alleged sexual abuse had occurred at the daycare center. The state had also recently suspended the daycare's license.

Police investigators did a "forensic interview" with the young victim.

"Investigators learned that on at least four occasions, Juan Cardiel had sexual contact with the victim," a spokesperson stated.

Police provided other identifying characteristics about the child (age, gender, and status), however, ABC-7 is choosing not to include those details in this report out of respect for the privacy of the victim.

"Las Cruces police have reason to believe there may be other victims who have not yet come forward," the spokesperson added. "Anyone who knows someone who might have been a victim of similar illegal activity is asked to call police at (575) 526-0795."

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico (KVIA) -- Jail records in Dona Ana County show 78-year-old Juan Cardiel is charged with four counts of Criminal Sexual Contact of a Minor (Unclothed).

Officers arrested Cardiel on Century Lane in Las Cruces at 1:12 PM Wednesday, May 1, 2024. They booked him into the Dona Ana County Detention Center at 6:15 PM the same day.

Officers booked Cardiel for the four felonies on an arrest warrant. The Las Cruces Police Department is the arresting agency, according to county jail information available online.

Jail records show that Cardiel is being held without bond. He does not have a first court appearance scheduled yet, according to records.

ABC-7 is working to learn more information.