A 57-year-old man who lives south of Las Cruces has surrendered to Doña Ana County Sheriff’s detectives on accusations he molested a girl under the age of 13.
Gerald Chavez is charged with one count of criminal sexual penetration of a child under 13 and two counts of criminal sexual contact of a child under the age of 13. He was jailed Tuesday at the Doña Ana County Detention Center on a $50,000 cash bond.
The victim disclosed to detectives that the alleged incidents happened at Chavez’s home between April and November of this year. She reportedly told another family member about the incidents, who then notified authorities.
During the investigation, detectives learned Chavez might have victimized other children and are asking anyone who suspects Chavez was involved in similar incidents to contact the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Department immediately at (575) 525-8812.