Las Vegas, N.M. — A woman recently told Gallup police officers that she had been sexually assaulted by a man who was now a New Mexico State Police officer. The New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau was requested to take charge of the investigation.
Agents learned that in July, the 20-year-old victim had been on a two-week New Mexico National Guard deployment in Las Vegas, N.M. She identified Isaiah Cheromiah, 30, of Laguna, NM as a fellow soldier. At the time of the incident, Cheromiah was an an officer with the Grants Police Department.
The victim said that she, Cheromiah, and some other soldiers had been hanging out during their downtime and on occasion drank alcohol that had been provided to her by Cheromiah. During one of the evenings, Cheromiah sexually assaulted the victim while she slept.
Immediately after the NMSP learnt of the allegations, Cheromiah was placed on administrative leave and State Police Chief Tim Johnson launched an internal and criminal investigation. After a thorough investigation by the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau, the case was presented to the Fourth Judicial District Attorney’s office who approved the charges. An arrest warrant was issued for Cheromiah, charging him with Criminal Sexual Penetration, Criminal Sexual Contact, and Giving Alcoholic Beverages to a minor.
"I am deeply disturbed to learn that one of our officers has been arrested for sexual assault. The behavior displayed by this individual is completely contrary to the values and integrity that define a New Mexico State Police officer. We take immense pride in upholding the highest standards, and any breach of public trust is entirely unacceptable," Jonson said in a press release published June 9.
Johnson went on ro explain why the NMSP took immediate action once they learned of the situation.
"We stand strong in our commitment to preserving the untarnished reputation of the Black and Gray uniform worn by over 650 dedicated men and women. As a department we stand firm against any officer violating our oath, so we took immediate action to ensure accountability," Johnson said. "We are fully committed to safeguarding the public's trust and fostering unwavering confidence in the New Mexico State Police."
Cheromiah was hired by State Police in November as part of a lateral recruit academy. He was arrested at the State Police Office in Milan, N.M. and booked into the CorCivic correctional facility on June 9.
