Shotguns Stolen From Marshal’s Office

By John Larson

SOCORRO - Marshal Larry Cearley sought, and got, approval from the Magdalena Village Board last week to purchase four 12 gauge shotguns that were stolen from the Marshal’s office on March 8.
According to an incident report from the New Mexico State Police, the Marshal’s office at 106 S. Main Street was broken into between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. The front door was damaged with what appeared to be a crowbar.
The report said three Reming-ton 12 gauge shotguns were missing, as well as a Winchester 12 gauge shot gun. Total value of the four firearms was $3,500.
State Police Officer Nathan Barton is in charge of the high priority investigation.
“When any law enforcement office is broken into, it’s always a high priority,” Cearley said.
The Village Board also approved Cearley’s request for two metal outside doors (front and back), and a gun safe.
Cearley was also given authorization to install steel bars on the office’s two front picture windows, and a smaller window on the back of the building, as well as surveillance cameras.
“We’re generally beefing up security,” he said. “[The village] wanted to keep it looking like a traditional western Marshal’s office, but we need to make these changes.”
Cearley said the money for the expenditures will come from the Law Enforcement Protection Grant, and not from the Village’s general fund.
The building also houses Magdalena’s Municipal Court.
The stolen weapons were entered by the State Police into the National Crime Information Center database.

Shotguns Stolen From Marshal’s Office