Former Bayard police officer accused of sexual abuse in lawsuit

Lawsuit alleges officer had history of misconduct, was hired by other departments despite warnings

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A civil rights lawsuit filed on February 13 alleges that a former Bayard police officer, Jesus Lopez Jr., sexually abused, coerced and inflicted violence on a 16-year-old girl while in his professional capacity. The lawsuit names Lopez, the city of Deming, and the New Mexico Department of Public Safety as defendants, claiming they failed to intervene despite documented incidents of inappropriate behavior toward minors and women during Lopez's prior employment with the Bayard Police Department.

Why it matters

This case highlights issues of institutional failure and accountability when law enforcement agencies allegedly ignore warning signs and enable abusive behavior by officers. It raises questions about hiring practices, officer misconduct reporting, and the responsibility of authorities to protect vulnerable members of the community.

The details

The lawsuit, filed by Singleton Schreiber LLP and co-counsel Daniel Marquez, alleges that Lopez had a history of inappropriate and predatory behavior toward minors and women during his time with the Bayard Police Department, which the city of Deming and the New Mexico Department of Public Safety allegedly knew about. Despite these documented incidents, including reports from high school students about Lopez texting them, he was later hired by the Lordsburg Police Department and then the Deming Police Department, where the alleged abuse of the 16-year-old victim occurred.

  • Lopez was hired by the Bayard Police Department in the summer of 2020.
  • In January 2023, Bayard Police Chief Hector Carrillo submitted a misconduct report regarding Lopez to the DPS Law Enforcement Academy, leading to an investigation.
  • Lopez's law enforcement certification was revoked on December 16, 2024, after he had been criminally charged for his conduct in relation to the victim.
  • Lopez was terminated from the Deming police on December 23, 2024.

The players

Jesus Lopez Jr.

A former police officer with the Bayard Police Department, Lordsburg Police Department, and Deming Police Department, who is accused of sexually abusing, coercing and inflicting violence on a 16-year-old girl while in his professional capacity.

Hector Carrillo

The Bayard Police Chief who submitted a misconduct report regarding Lopez to the DPS Law Enforcement Academy in January 2023.

Singleton Schreiber LLP

The law firm that filed the civil rights lawsuit on behalf of the victim, referred to as Jane Doe.

Daniel Marquez

The co-counsel who filed the civil rights lawsuit on behalf of the victim, referred to as Jane Doe.

New Mexico Department of Public Safety

The state agency that is named as a defendant in the lawsuit, along with the city of Deming, for allegedly failing to intervene despite documented incidents of inappropriate behavior by Lopez.

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What they’re saying

“This case is about institutional failure. The city of Deming and the New Mexico Department of Public Safety allowed a known risk to remain armed, certified and empowered. Their inaction enabled horrific abuse and placed an entire community in danger.”

— Marisa Ong, Attorney, Singleton Schreiber LLP

“When law enforcement agencies ignore clear warning signs, they are not neutral bystanders; they are enablers. This case demands accountability not only from the individual officer who abused his power, but from the institutions that failed to intervene when they had the opportunity and the responsibility to do so.”

— Daniel Marquez, Co-counsel

“It didn't reach the level of a criminal charge of what he was doing, as far as texting the high school girls, but it did for sure reach an ethical and professional level as far as officer misconduct.”

— Hector Carrillo, Bayard Police Chief (scdailypress.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on whether to allow the lawsuit to proceed.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for stronger oversight and accountability measures within law enforcement agencies to prevent abuses of power and protect vulnerable members of the community, even when alleged misconduct does not rise to the level of criminal charges.