Sheriff takes leave over DWI arrest

SANTA ROSA, N. M. (KRQE) - There's not a new sheriff in town yet although Guadalupe County's looking for one after Sheriff Robert Chavez, busted last month on suspicion of drunken driving, took a leave of absence Tuesday.

County commissioners granted the sheriff's request for a paid leave of absence for "personal matters."

The commissioners could not have take action against the sheriff on their own because he is an independently elected official. Instead they were hoping he would ask for a leave on his own, Commissioner Glenn Gonzales told KRE News 13.

A New Mexico State Police dash camera record the events leading up to Chavez's early morning arrest on Dec. 19. Someone claiming to have seen Chavez leaving a Santa Rosa bar called police and said they thought the sheriff was drunk.

State Police were watching, and an officer who reported he saw the sheriff run a stop sign followed Chávez to his home and pulled him over.

At first Chavez, who was lightly dressed, said he couldn't take a field sobriety test because it was too cold. After warming up in the officer's car, Chavez attempted the tests and was arrested.

Police said Chávez reeked of alcohol, and that they found two open containers in his truck. He refused to take a Breathalyzer test, the officer reported.

So for now, there's no one in charge. Chavez's own recommendation for chief deputy told commissioners he wouldn't take the job.

That left the county manager to search for someone to lead the four-person sheriff's department. That's the only matter in this situation the county can control, unless the sheriff's ever convicted.

The limited options have given county commissioners "a feeling of frustrations," Gonzales said.

The sheriff did tell commissioners he plans to retire in the near future. News 13 was unable to reach Chávez for comment Tuesday night.