AG Balderas Files Criminal Charges Against Rio Arriba Sheriff’s Deputy for Student Tasing Incident

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 25, 2019
Contact: Matt Baca (505) 270-7148

Albuquerque, NM–This morning, Attorney General Hector Balderas announced that the Office of
the Attorney General filed a criminal information against Rio Arriba Sheriff’s Deputy Jeremy
Barnes for the May 2019 tasing of a special needs student at Española Valley High School. Barnes
faces felony charges for child abuse and false imprisonment, as well as charges of aggravated
battery and violation of the Governmental Conduct Act.
“School should be a place where students feel safe and where law enforcement officials act to
protect, not harm students,” said Attorney General Balderas. “No individual is above the law and
my office looks forward to seeking justice for the child victim in this case.”