Felony charges dropped against state police officer

link Isaac Vigil

Staff report Felony child abuse charges were dropped against a New Mexico State Police officer in Quay County Magistrate Court on Thursday morning. Magistrate Judge Joel Garnett found no probable cause to support child abuse allegations against Isaac Vigil, who has been a state police officer for about a year and a half, following a hearing on Wednesday, according to a court document. A misdemeanor charge of battery against a household member is still pending against Vigil. Arraignment and pretrial proceedings on the misdemeanor charge will be scheduled. Kirk Chavez, Vigil’s attorney, said Vigil is “completely innocent of the crimes and has informed the Tenth Judicial District Attorney’s office that Vigil refuses to enter into any plea negotiations and will take all matters to a jury.” Vigil was arrested on the night of Aug. 14, after Tucumcari officers responded to a report of domestic violence at a residence in the 700 block of Escuela Avenue, said Pete Rivera, Tucumcari deputy police chief. Chavez said the incident allegedly occurred in Vigil’s home and involved a live-in girlfriend.

Vigil remains on paid administrative leave, State Police Captain Matt Broom said. Vigil has been on leave since his arrest. While on leave, Vigil is not allowed to conduct any law enforcement activities and, per policy, has surrendered his patrol vehicle, police-issued firearm and badge, according to State Police Sgt. Damyan Brown, a state police spokesman.