A Las Cruces police detective has been arrested on charges of having an inappropriate relationship with a teenager. The Las Cruces Police Department said Michael Garcia was arrested Friday in connection with allegations that he had sex with a teenage girl believed to be 17 years old at the time.
The 37-year-old was charged with one count each of criminal sexual penetration of a minor and criminal sexual contact of a minor, both felony counts.
Investigators say Garcia was booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center with bond set at $20,000.
Authorities say he is 15 year veteran of the Las Cruces Police Department.
Garcia has been placed on administrative leave pending the conclusion of an internal investigation.
It was unclear if Garcia had an attorney.
A press release states, investigators have no reason to believe that Garcia and the girl had an ongoing relationship, and have no reason to believe that the sexual encounter was consensual.
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