Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office

06/15/2026

Online safety starts with awareness.

BCSO is proud to be part of the New Mexico Collaborative Human Trafficking Task Force, which is helping share this free training for parents, caregivers, and community members.

The session will focus on online grooming, exploitation, and child s*x trafficking awareness, including real case insight, prevention strategies, warning signs, and a facilitated Q&A.

Tuesday, June 16, 2026
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM MST

Register using the QR code on the flyer or visit bit.ly/usadnm.

06/12/2026

That is what we call a crappy hiding spot. 💩

On April 1, the U.S. Marshals Task Force and BCSO deputies were looking for wanted subject Jesse Bilbao near 8010 Maplewood when he ran onto a property packed with sheds, vehicles, wood piles, and hiding spots.

K9 Hulk narrowed it down to a homemade porta potty.

Then BCSO’s drone team switched to thermal and confirmed what nobody wanted to confirm.

There was a heat signature coming from inside the homemade porta potty.

After commands and OC v***r, Bilbao surrendered and was taken into custody without further incident. Bilbao was charged with felon in possession of a firearm and resisting, evading or obstructing an officer.

K9 found him. Thermal confirmed him. Deputies flushed him out.

Skydio

06/10/2026

Watch this one until the end.

This is not just a drone video. This is the public safety technology ecosystem BCSO has been building, working exactly how it was designed to work.

When an aggravated assault with a deadly weapon call came in from the North Area Command, BCSO’s Drone as First Responder (DFR) team was already monitoring 911 calls and preparing to launch before the call was even fully dispatched.

Within minutes of a male suspect shooting at a female victim, DFR had eyes on the area.

The caller stayed strong, gave clear information, and provided a description that helped lead our team directly to the suspect vehicle inside a mobile home park.

From there, dispatch, the Real Time Operations Center, DFR pilots, and deputies all moved together. The drone guided deputies to the vehicle and captured a critical detail from above: a handgun sitting on the dashboard.

Francisco Romero was taken into custody and is facing a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in connection with this incident.

In the past, a call like this could have ended with a suspect gone and deputies working off a vehicle description.

Not this time.

Real-time technology matters, allowing for faster eyes on scene, better information for deputies, and safer outcomes for victims, deputies, and the community.

This is not one tool doing the job. This is a full public safety system working together, and it changes the game.

Skydio

06/08/2026

Recently, the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office recognized the men and women whose work in the First Quarter of 2026 set the standard for service in Bernalillo County.

Congratulations to:
• Civilian of the Quarter: Irene Melendez
• Uniform Deputies of the Quarter: Deputy Jose De La Cruz and Deputy Seth Townsend
• Non-Uniform Deputy of the Quarter: Detective Delaney Grimes
• Supervisors of the Quarter: Sergeant Laura Dailey and Sergeant Lorenzo Mora

We also recognized several deputies with Lifesaving Awards for decisive action when seconds mattered: Deputy Joseph Barreto, Deputy Cesar Diaz, Deputy Luis Guerrero, Deputy William Gilpin, Deputy Hayden Walker, Deputy Richard Castillo, and Deputy Roberto Martinez.

These awards are earned. They represent long hours, hard calls, calm under pressure, and people who show up and do the job the right way. We’re proud of every one of you.

06/02/2026

Over the weekend, BCSO stood in solidarity with the Taos County Sheriff’s Office as they laid one of their own to rest.

Our Honor Guard was honored to represent Bernalillo County during the services for a fallen Taos County deputy, assisting with honors from OMI to the funeral service in Taos.

Moments like this remind us that the badge connects agencies far beyond jurisdiction lines. When one agency grieves, we all stand together.

To the deputy’s family, friends, coworkers, and the entire Taos County community, BCSO sends our deepest condolences and continued support.

Rest easy, Deputy.

05/30/2026

Today, members of the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office proudly participated in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics New Mexico, joining law enforcement agencies from across the state in support of an incredible cause.

Each year, it is an honor to carry the Flame of Hope and stand alongside the athletes, families, volunteers, and supporters who make Special Olympics possible. The Torch Run represents far more than a run—it symbolizes courage, determination, inclusion, and the unwavering spirit of the athletes we proudly support.

We are grateful for the opportunity to participate in this tradition and help raise awareness for Special Olympics New Mexico. Thank you to everyone who came out to support the event and the remarkable athletes who continue to inspire us all.

05/28/2026

More than a workout. More than a challenge.

This week, our cadets took on “The Murph” — a workout commonly completed on Memorial Day to honor the sacrifices of our nation’s fallen heroes. Named after Navy SEAL Lt. Michael Murphy, the workout serves as a reminder of the courage, commitment, and selflessness of those who gave everything in service to our country.

These cadets pushed themselves in honor of the men and women who serve our country and protect our communities. Their dedication, discipline, and sacrifice are the inspiration behind every rep, every mile, and every step forward.

Strength built through purpose. Service inspired by heroes.

05/28/2026

“Miguel Orlando Perez has been charged in connection with the February 23, 2026 crash that killed Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Michael Schlattman on Interstate 40 near the Carnuel exit.
Perez is charged with Careless Driving and Operation of Vehicle on Approach of Emergency Vehicle.
The Rio Rancho Police Department investigation found Sgt. Schlattman had completed a traffic stop in the westbound lanes of I-40 and was returning to his patrol vehicle when it was struck from behind by a semi-truck driven by Perez. The impact pushed the patrol unit into Sgt. Schlattman, causing fatal injuries.
Investigators determined the semi-truck was traveling approximately 64 mph at the time of the crash and that no brakes were applied before impact. The investigation also found no mechanical issues with either the semi-truck or Sgt. Schlattman’s patrol vehicle. Contributing factors identified by investigators included sun glare, the position of the patrol vehicle, and driver inattention.
Perez holds a valid Florida Class A commercial driver’s license. The case was investigated by the Rio Rancho Police Department and later submitted to the Second Judicial District Attorney’s Office for review and charging consideration.
Perez is due in court next month.” -Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman

MAN CHARGED IN CONNECTION WITH FATAL CRASH INVOLVING BCSO SERGEANT --
Miguel Orlando Perez has been charged in connection with the February 23, 2026 crash that killed Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Michael Schlattman on Interstate 40 near the Carnuel exit.
Perez is charged with Careless Driving and Operation of Vehicle on Approach of Emergency Vehicle.
The Rio Rancho Police Department investigation found Sgt. Schlattman had completed a traffic stop in the westbound lanes of I-40 and was returning to his patrol vehicle when it was struck from behind by a semi-truck driven by Perez. The impact pushed the patrol unit into Sgt. Schlattman, causing fatal injuries.
Investigators determined the semi-truck was traveling approximately 64 mph at the time of the crash and that no brakes were applied before impact. The investigation also found no mechanical issues with either the semi-truck or Sgt. Schlattman’s patrol vehicle. Contributing factors identified by investigators included sun glare, the position of the patrol vehicle, and driver inattention.
Perez holds a valid Florida Class A commercial driver’s license. The case was investigated by the Rio Rancho Police Department and later submitted to the Second Judicial District Attorney’s Office for review and charging consideration.
Perez is due in court next month.

05/27/2026

Today, we pause to remember Lieutenant William Sibrava — a devoted leader, protector, and public servant whose courage and sacrifice continue to inspire the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office.

On May 27, 1994, Lieutenant Sibrava was tragically killed in the line of duty while attempting to serve an involuntary mental commitment order. Even after being mortally wounded, he acted with extraordinary bravery, returning fire and protecting those around him until his final moments.

Lieutenant Sibrava dedicated 19 years of honorable service to the citizens of Bernalillo County and was just one year away from retirement. He was 51 years old.

Though decades have passed, his legacy remains woven into the fabric of this agency. We honor his sacrifice, remember his service, and will never forget the price he paid in the line of duty.

End of Watch: May 27, 1994
Gone, but never forgotten.