A county in Colorado approved a formal resolution recognizing an extraordinary law enforcement staffing shortage.
The crisis in Costilla County, Colorado began after the former sheriff and three officers were indicted by a grand jury on March 27.
“At that time, there were seven officers total,” Costilla County chief administrative officer Ben Doon told NTD. “On Monday, March 30th, the new Sheriff was appointed, and he was the only staff person at that time.”
Gov. Jared Polis did not respond to requests for comment by the time of publication.
Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management public information officer Micki Trost said the Colorado State Patrol routinely provides backup staffing and support for local agencies.
"The Department of Local Affairs also provides support to local governments when circumstances like these occur," Trost told NTD.
Former Sheriff Danny Sanchez was charged with official misconduct and abuse of a corpse and resigned shortly after the indictment. His former Deputy Keith Schultz was also charged with official misconduct and abuse of a corpse, while undersheriff Cruz Soto was charged with third-degree assault, official misconduct, failure to intervene, and failure to report use of force. Sergeant Caleb Sanchez, who is the son of Sheriff Sanchez, was charged with second-degree and third-degree assault, and Deputy Roland Riley was charged with second-degree and third-degree assault.
All five indicted former officers posted bond and were released from custody. Undersheriff Cruz Soto, Sgt. Caleb Sanchez, and Deputy Roland Riley were terminated while Sheriff Danny Sanchez and former Deputy Keith Schultz resigned.
Joe Smith was named the interim sheriff of Costilla County.
“The new Sheriff has been working hard to hire new officers, but hasn't been able to get back up to capacity,” Doon added.
Smith took office on March 30 after the board of county commissioners appointed him during a special meeting.
The resolution expires in 90 days unless extended by the board of commissioners.
“This resolution is adopted to document the board's findings and to support applications for available state, federal, local, or other assistance related to the staffing shortage,” the resolution states.
However, the proclamation prohibits new county debt or unauthorized spending and stipulates that accepted state aid or funding matches are required to undergo separate fiscal authorization.
The county, however, stopped short of declaring a state of emergency, according to Doon.
"This resolution is not a declaration of a local disaster emergency, do not activate disaster emergency powers or plans, and does not authorize action beyond authority otherwise provided by the law," the resolution states.