ROSWELL, New Mexico -
A former New Mexico police chief was convicted Thursday of stalking and battery, according to a Ninth Judicial District Attorney's Office press release.
According to the release, several women came forward last year accusing former Dexter Police Chief, Mario Contreras, 45, of stalking them, making crude gestures and touching them inappropriately.
Contreras was arrested by New Mexico State Police in December 2015.
A judge sentenced Contreras to 20 days in jail and 18 months probation, along with a $500 donation to Refuge House and 40 hours community service.
District Attorney Andrea Reeb stated that, "A copy of this conviction will be forwarded to the NM Law Enforcement Academy Board, requesting that Contreras' certification be revoked. Contreras has used his position as a police officer to intimidate and harass women, and this should not be tolerated by the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy Board."
