Doña Ana County Sheriff’s detectives have arrested and charged a Las Cruces couple with 15 counts of child abuse after an investigation determined the two allegedly abused the woman’s 11- and 12-year old children over the past year.
During the investigation, sheriff’s detectives learned that Josie Rubio, 28, moved in with her boyfriend, 24-year-old Stephan Cordero in April 2015. Shortly after, Cordero allegedly began to act abusive toward her 11-year-old son and 12-year old daughter.
According to a statement, the son alleged that between April and October, Cordero occasionally forced the boy to sleep outside on the concrete patio at night after becoming upset that the boy had wet his pants. The boy said when the weather was cold, he would ask for a blanket. That request, according to the boy, was always denied. He reportedly kept warm using a propane grill. The boy also said that in the mornings, Cordero would sometimes spray him down with water from the garden hose. Cordero also allegedly beat the boy with a stick, according to the victim. On a few occasions, the boy was able to sneak away to a friend’s house for shelter.
The boy told detectives that on more than one occasion Cordero shot him with a pellet gun. A detective verified the boy’s statement after observing a pellet still lodged in the boy’s hand.
Detectives say the boy’s 12-year-old sister was also abused for reportedly “not cleaning right.” According to a statement, the girl said her mother “stomped on her stomach” and was allegedly spanked with a belt by Cordero as Rubio held the girl down. On one occasion, the girl said Cordero bit her left toe.
Both Cordero and Rubio were arrested Tuesday at the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Department following an interview with detectives. They were transported to the Doña Ana County Detention Center where each is being held on three counts of child abuse resulting in great bodily harm, 10 counts of negligent child abuse and two counts of intentional child abuse.
Prosecutors from the Third Judicial District Attorney’s Office obtained a $1 million secured bond for Rubio. Cordero is being held without bond.
A school counselor who suspected abuse referred the case to law enforcement. Since Cordero and Rubio’s arrest, the children have been placed in the custody of Child Protective Services.
Information from Doña Ana County