Las Animas Sheriff’s deputy placed on admin leave

Our news partners at the Trinidad and Las Animas County News report that a sheriff’s deputy has been placed on paid administrative leave after an incident involving his former girlfriend.

Las Animas County Sheriff’s Deputy Christopher Avila, 42, of Trinidad was arrested by Trinidad Police after he allegedly refused to leave the yard of his ex-girlfriend’s home after she repeatedly asked him to do so.

Avila is charged with first degree felony trespassing and two other counts including harassment.

Deputy Avila was standing in the woman’s driveway in full uniform when police arrived, according to Trinidad and Las Animas County News. Avila allegedly told police that he heard the woman was seeing another man and “got mad.”
After his arrest, Avila was placed on suspension without pay, his duty weapon taken away and he was sent home. Sheriff James Casias said Friday that his department is conducting its own internal investigation of the matter, and he had no further comment.