LAS CRUCES, NM – The Third Judicial District Attorney’s Office filed petitioning against child sexual predator Johnny Pacheco to be held without bond.
Pacheco is charged with 62 felony counts, the charges include 42 counts of criminal sexual penetration of a minor, 15 counts of sexual exploitation of a child, two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, two counts of criminal solicitation and one count of Battery. Johnny Pacheco, 48, of Las Cruces was given a $35,000 secured bond and conditions of release in Third Judicial District Court of Doña Ana County.
District Court Judge Richard Jaquez ruled detention denied and imposed a $35,000 secured bond and conditions of release that include no contact with the victim, victim’s family members and friends.
Las Cruces police began investigating allegations against Pacheco in December 2020. The charges against Pacheco represent offenses that began when the victim was 14. During forensic interviews, the victim disclosed a series of sexual assaults and other incidents which occurred over the last four years.
Pacheco was arrested May 7, 2021. Victims of child abuse are most often harmed by an adult they know and trust. Children and young adults are vulnerable because their abusers frequently threaten them with harm or say they will not be believed. If you or someone you know is believed to be a victim of sexual abuse, call 911 or (575) 526-0795.