Las Cruces police arrested a man suspected of having an inappropriate relationship with a 13-year-old girl.
Alexander Ray Diaz, 23, of the 1800 block of Rentfrow Avenue, is charged with one third-degree felony count of criminal sexual contact of a minor, two fourth-degree felony counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one fourth-degree felony count of solicitation of a child using an electronic device.
On March 27, 2021, Las Cruces police learned that Diaz was allegedly having an inappropriate relationship with a 13-year-old girl. Investigators learned Diaz was a close family friend and lived at the family’s home for approximately two years.
Working in coordination with La Piñon Sexual Assault Recovery Services, investigators learned Diaz started the inappropriate relationship with the girl about one year ago when she was 12 years old.
A young relative of the girl learned of the relationship and told her mother and the victim’s mother, but they did not believe her. Later, the young relative observed electronic messages between the victim and Diaz. This time, when she told her mom and aunt about the electronic messages, they believed her and contacted police.
Investigators reviewed several electronic messages between Diaz and the victim. The messages clearly suggested there was an inappropriate relationship between the two.
Diaz was arrested Thursday, April 22, and was booked into the Doña Ana County Detention Center where he is initially being detained without bond.