US EditionGrand jury indicts half the officers in a rural Colorado county in criminal misconduct investigation
Five members of the Costilla County Sheriff's Office face felony charges including assault and abuse of a corpse following a grand jury investigation into misconduct and improper force.
- On Friday, March 27, a grand jury indicted five Costilla County officers, including Sheriff Danny Sanchez, on charges of abuse of a corpse, official misconduct, and assault; all five surrendered to authorities.
- Sheriff Sanchez and former Deputy Keith Schultz allegedly mishandled human remains discovered in October 2024, storing only a skull in a paper grocery bag while leaving teeth and dental work at Wild Horse Mesa.
- Undersheriff Cruz Soto, Sergeant Caleb Sanchez, and Deputy Roland Riley face assault charges from a February 2026 incident where they allegedly deployed Tasers multiple times on a man in mental crisis, causing a broken rib.
- 12th Judicial District Attorney Anne Kelly stated, "This office is not afraid to defend that trust," while her office works with county commissioners to restore public confidence and address policing shortfalls.
- Costilla County Chief Administrative Officer Ben Doon confirmed the department faces operational challenges following the indictments, while authorities continue reviewing residents' complaints that may yield additional charges.
27 Articles
27 Articles
Half the Officers in a Colorado Sheriff’s Office, Including Sheriff’s Son, Indicted for Abuse of a Corpse, Excessive Force
Four of the seven law enforcement officers at the Costilla County Sheriff’s Office, as well as a former deputy, were charged in two incidentsFrom left: Danny Sanchez; Keith Schultz; Cruz Soto; Caleb SanchezCredit: 12th Judicial District Attorney’s OfficeNEED TO KNOWOfficers at the Costilla County Sheriff’s Office — including the sheriff and his son — as well as a former deputy were indicted by a grand jury in Colorado on charges of official misc…
The Toronto Star
Grand jury indicts over half the officers in a rural Colorado county
DENVER (AP) — Five of the seven law enforcement officers in a rural Colorado county, including the sheriff, have been indicted in an investigation into allegations of misconduct, prosecutors said Friday.
Associated Press News
Grand jury indicts half the officers in a rural Colorado county in criminal misconduct investigation
The sheriff of a rural Colorado county has been indicted in a criminal misconduct investigation. Four other current and former law enforcement officials in the Costilla County Sheriff's Office also face charges.
Costilla Sheriff, deputies indicted on charges including misconduct, corpse abuse
Editor's note: Descriptions of human remains may be disturbing to some readers. Discretion is advised. (COSTILLA COUNTY, Colo.) — Multiple law enforcement officials in Costilla County, including the Sheriff and his son, have been indicted on charges in connection with the mishandling of investigations and misconduct. According to the 12th Judicial District Attorney's (DA) Office, [...]
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 56% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
