Otero County Sheriff's Office, New Mexico

05/31/2026

On May 1, 2026, the White Mountain Drug Task Force, the Otero County Sheriff’s Office and the Alamogordo Police Department, with assistance from numerous federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement partners, conducted Operation Desert Sweep, a coordinated enforcement operation targeting individuals with outstanding drug related warrants and the ex*****on of multiple search warrants.

Following the news release issued after the operation, we wanted to share this short video to provide a glimpse into the teamwork and dedication that go into a warrant roundup. While the video captures only a small portion of the operation, it highlights the professionalism and commitment of the men and women working to keep our communities safe.

Operations like this are an important part of our ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking, apprehend wanted offenders and improve public safety throughout Otero County. Warrant roundups are not new to our agency; they have been a valuable enforcement tool for years and we will continue conducting them as needed.

05/27/2026

Alamogordo, NM

On Friday, May 22nd, 2026, Agents with the White Mountain Drug Task Force, with assistance from the Alamogordo Police Department & the Otero County Sheriff's Office, executed a Search Warrant in Alamogordo, New Mexico, following an ongoing narcotics investigation involving suspected trafficking of controlled substance(s). During the ex*****on of the Search Warrant, Agents encountered 63-year-old Elfida Renee Duran, who was the main target of the investigation.

As a result of the Search Warrant, Agents seized approximately 32.36 grams of suspected Methamphetamine, a digital scale, a glass pipe containing burnt residue, numerous zipper-style packaging bags, along with other items commonly associated with the distribution of illegal narcotics. Drug traffickers commonly utilize digital scales, packaging materials, and cellular devices to facilitate the sale and distribution of illegal narcotics.

Methamphetamine, commonly referred to as “meth” is a powerful and highly addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system. Methamphetamine distribution and abuse continue to pose serious dangers to communities due to their association with addiction, violent crime, overdoses, and other criminal activity. Illegal Narcotics such as Methamphetamine & Fentanyl continue to pose a significant threat to public safety within Otero County.

At the time of the investigation, Agents learned that Elfida Renee Duran was currently on Probation through the New Mexico Adult Probation and Parole Division, for prior trafficking-related offenses (D-1215-CR-2023-00163). Due to the prior conviction for Trafficking of a Controlled Substance in 2025, the current trafficking charges are enhanced to first-degree felony offenses under New Mexico law.

Following the investigation, 63-year-old Elfida Renee Duran was arrested and was charged with the following:

• NMSA §30-31-20(A)(3) Trafficking of Controlled Substances (By Possession with Intent to Distribute) (Second Offense)
• Probation Violation

The public should also be aware that additional arrests and criminal charges may be forthcoming as ongoing investigations continue throughout Otero County and the surrounding areas. To those involved in the distribution of illegal narcotics within our communities: BE READY. The White Mountain Drug Task Force is actively investigating narcotics trafficking and related criminal activity. Individuals engaged in the sale and distribution of illegal drugs will be identified, targeted, and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

This investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be forthcoming as the investigation continues. All individuals charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Anyone with information related to narcotics activity is encouraged to contact the White Mountain Drug Task Force.

05/26/2026

Otero County, NM

On Thursday, May 21st, 2026, Agents with the White Mountain Drug Task Force, with assistance from the Otero County Sheriff's Office, executed a Search Warrant at a residence in Otero County, New Mexico, following an ongoing narcotics investigation involving suspected trafficking of controlled substance(s).

During the ex*****on of the Search Warrant, Agents encountered 62-year-old Raymond Lee Landress at the residence, along with 47-year-old Benjamin Likes. As a result of the Search Warrant, Agents seized approximately 142.45 grams of suspected Methamphetamine, multiple digital scales containing suspected narcotics residue, numerous zipper-style packaging bags, approximately $540.00 in U.S. currency, suspected Hydrocodone pills, numerous fi****ms, assorted ammunition, firearm magazines, holsters, and cellular devices, along with other items commonly associated with the distribution of illegal narcotics. Drug traffickers commonly utilize digital scales, packaging materials, and cellular devices to facilitate the sale and distribution of illegal narcotics.

Methamphetamine, commonly referred to as “meth” is a powerful and highly addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system. Methamphetamine distribution and abuse continue to pose serious dangers to communities due to their association with addiction, violent crime, overdoses, and other criminal activity. Illegal Narcotics such as Methamphetamine & Fentanyl continue to pose a significant threat to public safety within Otero County.

Following the investigation, 62-year-old Raymond Lee Landress was arrested and was charged with the following:

• NMSA §30-31-20(A)(3) Trafficking (By Possession With Intent to Distribute)

Additionally, Agents learned that 47-year-old Benjamin Nicholas Likes had an active outstanding warrant for his arrest & he was subsequently taken into custody.

The White Mountain Drug Task Force remains committed to identifying and targeting individuals involved in the distribution of illegal narcotics within Otero County and the surrounding communities. This investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be forthcoming as the investigation continues. All individuals charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Anyone with information related to narcotics activity is encouraged to contact the White Mountain Drug Task Force.

05/23/2026

Congratulations to the graduating officers from the Alamogordo Police Department on your successful graduation from the law enforcement academy.

This is an important milestone that reflects your hard work, sacrifice, and commitment to serving others. As you begin your careers in law enforcement, we wish each of you safety, strength, and success as you serve the people of Alamogordo and Otero County.

05/23/2026

Please join the Otero County Sheriff’s Office in congratulating Deputy Nicolas Santiago on his successful completion of the Southeastern New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy.

This achievement represents months of hard work, discipline, dedication, and commitment to public service. Deputy Santiago has completed the training necessary to begin serving and protecting the citizens of Otero County and our communities.

05/22/2026

05/21/2026

05/18/2026

Otero County Sheriff’s Office Releases Statement Regarding Trans Aero Med-Evac Aircraft Crash

As many are aware, a Trans Aero Med-Evac aircraft tragically crashed during the early morning hours of May 14, 2026. As a result of the crash, the four occupants aboard the aircraft pilots Keelan Clark and Ali Kawsara, along with flight nurses Sarah Clark and Jamie Novick tragically did not survive.

The Otero County Sheriff’s Office would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the families of the flight crew, their co-workers, and friends during this incredibly difficult time. While this flight crew was not based out of Otero County, their services were utilized statewide. The effects of this tragedy will be felt not only across New Mexico, but beyond our state’s borders, as some members of this crew hailed from outside New Mexico.

For Otero County, this tragedy hits especially close to home. One member of the crew, Sarah Clark, was not only from the Alamogordo area, but was also the daughter of Otero County Emergency Services Director Matt Clark and sister to Ben Clark, a former Otero County Sheriff’s Office Deputy. Sarah was well known and deeply respected throughout the Otero County first responder community,a community she proudly served and cared deeply about. She excelled in her career because of her compassion, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to helping others in their time of need.

The Otero County Sheriff’s Office would also like to express sincere gratitude to the many agencies involved in responding to and assisting with this tragic incident. While the New Mexico State Police assumed control of the aircraft crash investigation, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office played an instrumental role in supporting investigative efforts and coordinating recovery operations.

The Otero County Sheriff’s Office would especially like to recognize the Sacramento Hotshots for the critical role they played in the recovery of the flight crew, ensuring their remains were treated with the dignity, honor, and respect deserved after a life dedicated to serving others.

Additional thanks go to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office for allowing deputies from our agency, along with members of our local first responder community, to participate in the es**rt and transport of the flight crew to the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator (OMI). It was a tremendous honor to be involved in this process, represent the Clark family, and help ensure Sarah and the rest of her crew were honored to the highest standard.

In true New Mexico fashion, the outpouring of support continued throughout the es**rt route. Bridges, intersections, and communities along the route were lined with first responders, community members, fire apparatus, and ambulances all standing together in support and recognition of the tremendous sacrifice and loss suffered by these families and the first responder community.

With little time for formal coordination or notifications, the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office and New Mexico State Police assisted in ensuring the es**rt moved safely and without interruption through the Albuquerque metropolitan area, helping expedite the process of returning the flight crew to their families and loved ones.

The Otero County Sheriff’s Office extends its sincere appreciation to all agencies, first responders, and community members involved during this tragic incident. Our hearts are heavy, and our prayers remain with all those affected by this devastating loss

05/15/2026

05/14/2026

On May 12, 2026, the Otero County Sheriff’s Office was proud to celebrate the success of our 5th grade students during the 2026 D.A.R.E. Picnic at Tularosa High School. Over 10 weeks, these students from Holloman Elementary, La Luz Elementary, Sunrise Elementary, Yucca Heights Elementary, and Tularosa Intermediate School worked hard to complete the D.A.R.E. program and learned valuable lessons about making safe and responsible choices, leadership, respect, and standing up to peer pressure.

The D.A.R.E. Picnic was more than just a celebration it was a reflection of the strong partnership between law enforcement, schools, parents, and our community working together to support our youth and invest in their future.

We want to thank all of our D.A.R.E. instructors, volunteers, donors, school staff, and community partners who helped make this event possible. Most importantly, congratulations to all of the students who successfully completed the D.A.R.E. program. We are proud of each and every one of you and look forward to seeing the positive impact you will continue to make in our community.