Hatch Man, 72, Booked on Felony Drug Possession and Traffic Charges

Allegedly... Leroy Valencia, a 72-year-old resident of Hatch, New Mexico, was booked into the Doña Ana County Detention Center on July 16, 2026. Records indicate he was taken into custody at 800 E. Thorpe on suspicion of felony possession of methamphetamine and a misdemeanor count of driving with a suspended license. He is currently being held without bond under booking number 2600005629. In New Mexico, a felony drug possession charge involves the alleged discovery of controlled substances by law enforcement, while a suspended license charge relates to operating a vehicle without valid driving privileges. The arrest location on East Thorpe falls within the jurisdiction of Doña Ana County authorities. A no-bond hold typically indicates that the individual must remain in custody until a preliminary appearance before a magistrate or district judge. The charges are allegations, and Valencia is presumed innocent unless and until a court finds otherwise.