New Mexico sheriff’s deputy arrested after child sex abuse images found

ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico (KCBD) - A Sandoval County New Mexico Sheriff’s Deputy was arrested Wednesday after images of child sexual abuse were found on the deputy’s devices, according to the New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas.

Multiple search warrants were conducted in Sandoval County after Special Agents with the New Mexico Office of the Attorney General’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit received CyberTips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

The investigation of child sexual exploitation revealed Deputy Robert Jesse Strand was the suspect, Balderas said.

“All children deserve to be safe in our community, and we will intervene to mitigate child exploitation in New Mexico,” said Attorney General Balderas.

This case was investigated by the New Mexico Attorney General’s Office and assisted by Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office, Rio Rancho Police Department, and the Bernalillo Police Department.

Anyone with information relating to suspected child predators is encouraged to contact federal or local law enforcement or make an anonymous report through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at http://www.missingkids.org/cybertipline or by calling 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678).

Sandoval County is north of Albuquerque.