Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) –The City of Deming, the New Mexico Department of Public Safety and former police officer Jesus Lopez Jr. are facing a civil rights lawsuit over alleged abuse. The lawsuit accuses Lopez of using his position as a police officer to lure a 16-year-old girl into a sexual relationship that turned violent. It reportedly spanned nearly a year, starting in January of 2024, and involved the 33-year-old forcing the girl into drinking alcohol and having sex with him while he recorded it on his phone. The lawsuit seeks damages for the girl and calls for reforms to prevent similar incidents. It also demands stronger oversight and enforcement of certification standards. Lopez pleaded guilty in the criminal case in July of 2025 after being arrested in December of 2024.
