By KRWG News
Columbus – A New Mexico border town has abolished its police department in the wake of a gun smuggling case that involves the former mayor and police chief.
The village of Columbus will now rely on the Luna County Sheriff's Office for law enforcement. Sheriff Raymond Cobos tells the Deming Headlight that his deputies have always patrolled the area anyway and he'll shift resources to cover the village.
The village Board of Trustees voted to abolish the department on July 7.
The next day, jailed former trustee Blas Guitierrez submitted his letter of resignation.
He is one of 12 people who were arrested in March for their alleged roles in a gun smuggling ring. Former Mayor Eddie Espinoza and former police chief Angelo Vega are among those charged.
___
Information from: Headlight, http://www.demingheadlight.com
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.