Official misconduct charges in San Luis Valley

A grand jury has indicted four of the seven current law enforcement officers in Costilla County, including Sheriff Danny Sanchez, and a former deputy, following an extensive investigation into alleged misconduct.

 

The indictments stem from two separate incidents. In October 2024, human remains were discovered in the Wild Horse Mesa area. Sheriff Sanchez and former Deputy Keith Schultz are accused of mishandling this evidence, allegedly taking only part of the remains, failing to document the incident properly, and delivering the skull in an unlabeled bag. Both face charges of official misconduct and abuse of a corpse.

 

In a separate case from February 2026, Undersheriff Cruz Soto, Sgt. Caleb Sanchez (the sheriff’s son), and Deputy Roland Riley are charged in connection with the use of a Taser and rough handling of a man experiencing a mental health crisis. The individual sustained broken ribs during the encounter. Soto faces charges including failure to intervene, failure to report use of force, third-degree assault, and official misconduct. Caleb Sanchez and Riley are charged with second- and third-degree assault.

 

These developments follow previous allegations of evidence mishandling within the Costilla County Sheriff's Office. In August 2025, the Colorado Attorney General initiated an investigation after reports of missing firearms, incomplete body camera footage, and other systemic failures. District Attorney Anne Kelly had to dismiss multiple criminal cases due to these issues, emphasizing the need for accountability within law enforcement.

 

District Attorney Kelly, assisted by Assistant Attorney General Christian Champaign, emphasized the commitment to uphold the law impartially. She stated, "Our community expects our law enforcement officers to perform their duties with integrity and adherence to the law. Restoring and maintaining public trust must always start with accountability."

 

All five individuals have turned themselves in and were expected to post bond. The District Attorney's Office held a press conference at 6 p.m. on March 27 at 601 Main Street in Alamosa to address the community and provide further details on the indictments and ongoing investigations.