Las Cruces Man, 32, Booked on Kidnapping and Criminal Sexual Penetration Charges

Allegedly... Joel Lomeli-chavez, a 32-year-old resident of Las Cruces, was booked into the Doña Ana County Detention Center on Oct. 27, 2026. He faces multiple felony and misdemeanor charges, including kidnapping, criminal sexual penetration involving force or coercion, and aggravated battery likely to cause death or great bodily harm. The booking record also lists three counts of battery against a household member and a charge categorized as all other offenses. He was taken into custody at 9450 El Centro and is currently held without bond. The charges involve a mix of high-level felony allegations and domestic-related misdemeanors. Kidnapping and criminal sexual penetration are among the most serious offenses in the New Mexico criminal code, often carrying significant statutory penalties upon conviction. The arrest location on El Centro falls within the jurisdiction of Doña Ana County, where the case will be processed through the magistrate or district court system. The charges are allegations, and Lomeli-chavez is presumed innocent unless and until a court finds otherwise.