Las Cruces police arrested a registered sex offender who is suspected of sexually assaulting two young girls.
Joshua Ruben Chavez, 43, of the 1500 block of Corbett Drive, is charged with five first-degree felony counts of criminal sexual penetration of a minor, two second-degree felony counts of sexual exploitation of a child and two misdemeanor counts of incident exposure.
Las Cruces police investigators learned the incidents allegedly began approximately three years ago when the two girls were 9 and 10 years old, respectively. The girls’ mother told police she learned of the allegations on Mother’s Day 2021.
Both girls underwent safehouse interviews at La Pinon Sexual Assault Recovery Services.
Investigators learned that Chavez is a registered sex offender and, over the years, developed a friendship with the mother of both girls.
LCPD investigators learned that Chavez used a cell phone to take sexually explicit photos or videos of both girls. Chavez is also accused of sexually assaulting one of the girls on at least five occasions.
Investigators believe there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward. Anyone who believes they, or a child they know, may be a victim is asked to call police at (575) 526-0795.
Investigators obtained a warrant for the arrest of Chavez. He was arrested July 1 and booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center where he is initially being held without bond.