New sheriff takes office after indictment of previous sheriff in Costilla County, Colorado

A new sheriff has taken office in Costilla County, Colorado, after a grand jury indicted the former sheriff and other deputies last week.

Former Sheriff Danny Sanchez and Deputy Keith Schultz were indicted for abuse of a corpse and multiple counts of official misconduct last Thursday in connection with the handling of the discovery of human remains in 2024. Sanchez resigned from his position following the indictment, and the Costilla County Board of Commissioners held a special meeting to consider appointing an interim sheriff.

Sanchez's son, Caleb Sanchez, and Undersheriff Cruz Soto were also indicted Thursday in a case involving the use of force on a man suffering from a mental health crisis earlier this year.

On Monday, Sheriff Joe Smith took his oath of office, promising to restore the integrity of the office and ensure the safety of the county residents.

"I want to speak directly to concerns regarding our operational stability," Smith said in a press release on Tuesday. "Let me be remarkably clear: At no point has there been, or will there be, a failure to serve. While we finalize the formal paperwork and Interagency Agreements for long-term partnerships, we have already secured the immediate boots-on-the-ground support necessary to keep this county safe."  

Smith said he plans to begin stabilizing operations on "day one" by establishing an open-door policy for community feedback, restoring accountability by reviewing internal affairs protocols, providing support to their personnel, and forming interagency agreements.

"We cannot ignore the circumstances that led to this transition. The criminal charges filed against my predecessor and fellow deputies have shaken the foundation of public trust. The charges in the indictments are just allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty," said Smith.

Smith will serve as interim sheriff until the next election.