Vaughn police chief resigns
Posted at: 09/26/2012 11:03 AM
| Updated at: 09/28/2012 7:36 AM
By: By Peter St. Cyr, 4 On Your Side
The chief of police in Vaughn has resigned, three months after a 4 On Your Side investigation revealed he was barred from carrying a firearm due to a felony conviction in Texas.
Ernest "Chris" Armijo tendered his resignation on Tuesday during a personnel hearing with the town's Mayor Paul Madrid.
Armijo, who also serves as a city councilor, faces new felony charges after being accused of selling a city owned rifle and pocketing the cash.
For now, the town will only have one officer patroling the streets. But, as 4 On Your Side reported in June, that officer -- Brian Bernal -- has not completed the state's law enforcement training academy.
For now, New Mexico State Police and the Guadalupe Sheriff will serve the area and respond to emergency calls.
City officials plan to conduct an audit of equipment assigned to Armijo. They are also reviewing the former chief's timesheets.
A spokesman for the town said Nikka, Vaughn's drug-sniffing police dog, and the only certified member of the city's police force, will remain with the former chief until they can find a new handler.
Officials with the Law Enforcement Review Board have been reviewing Armijo's police certification.
A hearing last month was delayed after he requested more time to hire an attorney. Armijo said he hopes to clear his name and reapply for his job.
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