Las Cruces Man, 31, Booked on Petty Misdemeanor Shoplifting Charge

Allegedly... Michael Richard Lara, 31, of Las Cruces, was booked into jail on April 13, 2026, on a petty misdemeanor shoplifting charge for an alleged theft valued at under $100, according to jail booking records. The arrest was listed in the area of Motel Boulevard and Enriquez Lane, and no bond amount was indicated on the booking sheet. Under New Mexico law, shoplifting merchandise valued at $100 or less is classified as a petty misdemeanor, the lowest level of criminal offense in the state. A petty misdemeanor is generally punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $500 upon conviction. The booking record does not identify the retailer involved or describe the merchandise allegedly taken, and no additional verified details about the circumstances were located in New Mexico court records or regional news reports at the time of publication. Lara has not been convicted of the allegation, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. The case is expected to be handled in Doña Ana County Magistrate Court.