Santa Fe 'Mug Mag' popularity growing

SANTA FE (KRQE) - A new publication in Santa Fe County has many people talking and even wanting to be on the cover.

The Jail Byrd Magazine posts almost every single mug shot from the Santa Fe County Jail.

"I've had a couple people that I’ve actually run into and they've said, 'Hey, Why did you put me in the magazine?' And I said, 'Well what did you do?'" Publisher Leland Titus said.

Titus was in Florida when he saw a similar publication and decided to copy the idea in Santa Fe.

“It took me the better part of a week," said Titus. "You know, editing and posting the pictures and everything."

Titus said about starting the publication from scratch and putting it together himself.

Four issues have come out, complete with advertisements and sections like “Shoplifters,” “DWI and DUIs,” and “Santa Fe County’s Most Wanted.”

It’s distributed at many business between Espanola and Santa Fe, even at the Santa Fe Municipal Court.

"I dropped off a small stack there one time, and then people kept going back and asking for it, so they asked if I would drop off a bunch more," said Titus. "So now I drop off more every week."

The publication consistently says “ All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty.” But Titus also said he likes to highlight the “entertaining approach to providing community awareness and safety.”

“I've talked with a couple police officers, they enjoy it," said Titus. "Even the people on Facebook love it. Some of them who have been in it have said, 'Why don't you put me on the cover next time?'"