Full Breakdown
Indictments of Law Enforcement Officers in Costilla County, Colorado
3/28/2026, 3:35:01 PM
Overview of the Indictments
In a significant legal development, a grand jury has indicted four of the seven law enforcement officers in Costilla County, Colorado, including Sheriff Danny Sanchez, on charges related to alleged misconduct. The indictments stem from two separate incidents involving the mishandling of human remains and excessive use of force during a mental health crisis.
Details of the Allegations
The indictments against Sheriff Danny Sanchez and former Deputy Keith Schultz are linked to an incident in October 2024, where human remains were discovered. According to court documents, the remains were reported to the sheriff's office, but only the skull was collected, leaving behind other remains, including teeth. Schultz later admitted to writing a report two months after the incident, stating he had left the bones in a bag on his desk while responding to another call. Both Sanchez and Schultz face charges of official misconduct and corpse abuse.
In a separate case, Undersheriff Cruz Soto, Sergeant Caleb Sanchez (the sheriff's son), and Deputy Roland Riley are charged in connection with the use of a Taser against a man experiencing a mental health crisis in February. The man reported being "roughed up" by the deputies, resulting in broken ribs. Soto is charged with failing to intervene and report the use of force, while Caleb Sanchez and Riley face charges of second- and third-degree assault.
Official Statements
12th Judicial District Attorney Anne Kelly emphasized her commitment to holding law enforcement accountable, stating, “I cannot and will not ignore violations of the trust that a community should have in their police. No citizen of the San Luis Valley should have any doubts about the integrity of their police force.”
Criticism & Opposition
While the indictments mark a significant step in addressing alleged misconduct, there may be concerns regarding the implications for community trust in law enforcement. Critics may argue that such incidents highlight systemic issues within police departments, particularly in rural areas where oversight may be limited.
Next Steps
The indicted officers are expected to post bond and be released following their surrender to authorities. The legal proceedings will likely unfold in the coming weeks, as the community and stakeholders await further developments in this case.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I cannot and will not ignore violations of the trust that a community should have in their police.” — Anne Kelly, 12th Judicial District Attorney.
