https://nm-eddycounty.civicplushrms.com/careers/

Eddy County Sheriff, 1502 Corrales Drive, Carlsbad, NM (2026)

08/28/2026

Eddy County Sheriff's Office makes arrest in Death Investigation

(Eddy County, New Mexico)

Sheriff Matt Hutchinson reports that on Saturday, May 23, 2026, the Eddy County Sheriff's Office (ECSO) responded to Capitan Reef Road where it crosses over the Pecos River, in reference to an adult male, later identified as Nicholas Andres Lucero (42), who was unconscious and not breathing from apparent gunshot wounds. ECSO Detectives responded to the scene and initiated an investigation in cooperation with the Office of the Medical Investigator.

Following an extensive investigation, on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, Eddy County Sheriff's Office Detectives arrested Shay Louis Perez (29) on the charges of voluntary manslaughter, tampering with evidence, and negligent use of a deadly weapon related to this investigation.

The criminal investigation is ongoing and anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact the
ECSO Detective Division at 575-887-7551.

You may also contact Eddy County Crime Stoppers with the option to remain anonymous.

Tips can be submitted in one of three ways:

1.Call 575-887-1888 or toll-free 844-786-7227
2.Visit eddycountycrimestoppers.com
3.Use the mobile app, P3 Tips

08/21/2026

🚨🚧ROAD CLOSURE NOTICE 🚧🚨

UPDATE: Friday Aug. 28,2026
Roadway has been repaired and reopened. Drive safely!

UPDATE: 10:30am Monday, Aug. 24,2026
Louis Whitlock Rd(Wipp Rd) remains closed from US 62/180 to WIPP cutoff @ Y. Construction crews worked throughout the weekend & continue to make progress on repairs. While work is moving quickly, an exact reopening timeframe is not yet available. We will update as information becomes available.

UPDATE: 6am Friday 21 Aug.
Due to a separate accident on NM 31, previously posted access for Wipp site using Hwy 128 will ALSO be temporarily closed.

Louis Whitlock Rd (WIPP Rd) is CLOSED from US 62/180 to the WIPP Cutoff @ Y due to a roadway hazard.
❌ No through traffic will be permitted.
Use Hwy 128 (Jal Hwy) to access the WIPP site.
Updates will be posted as the hazard is cleared.

08/16/2026

DATE: August 16, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Captain Amy Dugas

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Artesia, New Mexico, Eddy County)

Sheriff Matthew Hutchinson reports on Saturday August 15, 2026 at approximately 1628 hours, deputies, the Traffic Crash Reconstruction Unit with the Eddy County Sheriff's Office, and additional emergency personnel responded to a motor vehicle crash at the intersection of U.S. Highway 285 and 26th Street in Artesia, New Mexico.

The crash resulted in one fatality. The deceased has been identified as 51 year old, Jaime R. Wesson, of Artesia and next of kin has been notified.

The circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation. At this time, investigators have not made a final determination regarding the cause or contributing factors of the collision.

Additional information will be released as it becomes available and can be appropriately disclosed without compromising the ongoing investigation.

We encourage anyone with relevant information to contact ECSO at 575-887-7551. Individuals may also contact Eddy County Crime Stoppers with the option to remain anonymous.

Tips can be submitted in one of three ways:
1. Call 575-887-1888 or toll-free 844-786-7227
2. Visit eddycountycrimestoppers.com
3.Use the mobile app, P3 Tips

08/15/2026

DATE: August 15, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Lieutenant Kane Wyatt

MEDIA RELEASE

Eddy County Sheriff's Office Investigating Death of Juvenile in Loving, NM

(Eddy County, New Mexico)

Sheriff Matthew Hutchinson reports that on Saturday, August 15, 2026, the Eddy County Sheriff's Office (ECSO) and Loving Police Department responded to a residence in the 200 block of North 6th Street, Loving, NM, in reference to a juvenile male who had sustained gunshot wounds. Upon arriving at the scene, Eddy County Fire and Rescue conducted life saving measures, but were unable to resuscitate him.

ECSO Detectives responded to the scene and initiated an investigation in cooperation with the Office of the Medical Investigator (OM). Detectives are currently pursuing several leads and are working to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Due to the age of the victim, no identifying information will be released. No further details are available at this time in order to protect the integrity of the investigation and respect the privacy of the juvenile and his family.

We encourage anyone with relevant information to contact the ECSO Detective Division at 575-887-7551. You may also contact Eddy County Crime Stoppers with the option to remain anonymous.

Tips can be submitted in one of three ways:

1. Call 575-887-1888 or toll-free 844-786-7227
2. Visit eddycountycrimestoppers.com
3.Use the mobile app, P3 Tips

08/06/2026

The Eddy County Sheriff’s Office is proud to announce the promotion of Corporal Amanda Kellar to Sergeant.

Sergeant Kellar has consistently demonstrated professionalism, dedication, and a commitment to serving the citizens of Eddy County. Her leadership, work ethic, and integrity have earned the respect of both her peers and the community, making her well deserving of this promotion.

Sergeant Kellar is one of only six sworn female deputies within the Sheriff’s Office and with this promotion she becomes one of four women now serving in supervisory roles—a testament to the leadership and professionalism demonstrated by the women serving our agency.

Please join Sheriff Matthew Hutchinson and the entire Eddy County Sheriff’s Office in congratulating Sergeant Kellar on this well-earned achievement. We look forward to her continued service and leadership in her new role.

Congratulations, Sergeant Kellar!

08/03/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oilfield Theft Task Force Strengthens Regional Response to Organized Crime

(Eddy County, NM)

Recent federal guilty pleas in a large-scale crude oil theft conspiracy highlight the very real threat that organized oilfield crime poses to our region. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the investigation uncovered the theft of tens of thousands of barrels of crude oil from producers in Eastern New Mexico and the Permian Basin.

These cases reinforce why the Southeastern New Mexico Oilfield Theft Task Force was established. By bringing together the Eddy County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the Permian Basin Oilfield Theft Task Force, and other local, state, and federal partners, we are strengthening our ability to identify, investigate, and disrupt organized oilfield crime through intelligence sharing, coordinated enforcement, and collaborative investigations.

Since the creation of the task force, these partnerships have already produced significant results. Numerous arrests have been made through joint investigative efforts, resulting in criminal charges involving hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses and damages. Additionally, the task force has received reports from multiple oil and gas operators experiencing increased losses related to suspected crude oil theft and other oilfield crimes, further demonstrating the need for a coordinated regional response.

Eddy County Sheriff Matt Hutchinson stated, “This case highlights the value of the Oilfield Theft Task Force’s partnership and the need for their investigative support.”

The Eddy County Sheriff’s Office is proud to work alongside our law enforcement partners to protect the Permian Basin, hold offenders accountable, and safeguard the hardworking men and women whose livelihoods depend on our energy industry.

Oilfield theft is not a victimless crime. It impacts businesses, employees, landowners, and the communities that rely on the energy industry. Through strong partnerships and dedicated investigative efforts, the Southeastern New Mexico Oilfield Theft Task Force remains committed to protecting this vital industry and ensuring those responsible are held accountable.

Article can be viewed at:
https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndtx/pr/six-defendants-plead-guilty-conspiracy-steal-crude-oil-permian-basin

08/01/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Missing Person Investigation Update

On July 26, 2026 The Eddy County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a missing person, identified as 42 year old Ben Corsey.

Mr. Corsey has been located deceased, within Eddy County, and next of kin has been notified. No foul play is suspected at this time. New Mexico Office of the Medical Examiner will determine official cause of death.

The investigation remains active as investigators continue processing the scene and conducting follow-up investigative steps. At this time, no additional information is being released.

The Eddy County Sheriff’s Office extends its sincere condolences to Mr. Corsey’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.

The Eddy County Sheriff’s Office is grateful for the prompt assistance and seamless collaboration provided by TransAero, Eddy County Office of Emergency Management, Eddy County Fire & Rescue, the Carlsbad Police Department, and the Carlsbad Fire Department throughout this operation. We also thank the members of our community who assisted by sharing information and remaining vigilant.

Captain Amy Dugas
575-361-4671
[email protected]

07/28/2026

Today, we are proud to congratulate Deputy Carver on receiving the Patriot Award.

This award recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional support for members of the National Guard and Reserve and who help strengthen the partnership between civilian employers and the military. Deputy Carver has been a dedicated supporter of military recruiting efforts and has consistently shown a commitment to those who serve our nation.

We would also like to thank Sergeant Matta of the Carlsbad Police Department for nominating Deputy Carver for this well-deserved recognition. His nomination highlights the strong relationships and shared commitment to service that exist throughout our law enforcement community.

Congratulations, Deputy Carver, and thank you for your continued dedication to our community and your support of our nation’s service members.

🇺🇸👏

07/27/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Drowning at Brantley Lake

Eddy County, N.M. — July 26, 2026

At approximately 4:55 p.m. today, the Eddy County Sheriff’s Office along with responders from Eddy County Fire & Rescue, Carlsbad Fire Department, Artesia Fire Department, TransAero Medivac, and State Parks Law Enforcement responded to a report of a drowning at Brantley Lake involving a minor.

Out of respect for the family, the Eddy County Sheriff’s Office will not be releasing the child’s name, age, or any identifying information regarding the child’s parents.

At this time, there is no indication of foul play, and investigators have found no evidence to suggest alcohol or drugs were factors in this incident. The investigation is ongoing as is standard procedure for all unattended deaths.

The Eddy County Sheriff’s Office extends its deepest condolences to the child’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. We ask the public and members of the media to respect the family’s privacy as they grieve.

No additional information will be released regarding this incident.

PIO Contact:
Captain Amy Dugas
575-361-4671
575-887-7551
[email protected]

07/23/2026

Mark your calendars for Saturday, August 8, and come spend the day with us at the Carlsbad Beach Bandshell! National Night Out is a great opportunity to meet your local first responders, enjoy free family activities, and strengthen the partnership between law enforcement and the community we proudly serve.

Stop by the ECSO booth, meet our deputies, check out our equipment, and say hello! We look forward to seeing you there as we continue building a safer, stronger community—together. 💙

Eddy County Sheriff

08/28/2026

08/21/2026

08/16/2026

08/15/2026

08/06/2026

08/03/2026

08/01/2026

07/28/2026

07/27/2026

07/23/2026

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Listing takedown request