Las Cruces Woman, 58, Convicted of Arson Following Fires at Nmsu Campus

Robin Ann Appleton, a 58-year-old resident of Las Cruces, was booked into the Doña Ana County Detention Center on May 6, 2026. Under booking number 2600003600, she was processed on multiple felony counts including three counts of arson, larceny, and criminal damage to property exceeding $1,000. Records indicate the arrest occurred at the intersection of Espina and North Horseshoe in Las Cruces, and she was held without bond. According to news reports, Appleton was arrested in connection with a series of fires set on the New Mexico State University campus. Local coverage from KTSM and other outlets reported that the investigation into three separate arson incidents at NMSU led police to Appleton. The charges also involved allegations of theft and significant property destruction related to the campus fires. Court and news records indicate Appleton was convicted in this case. Public records show she has a history of similar offenses, including prior arson convictions in 2003 and 2015 that resulted in prison sentences.