Alamogordo NM
5-27-2026 7:28am

One Candidate Issues Professional Statement on Deputy Fake Profile Allegations in Otero County Sheriff’s Race

Alamogordo, NM – May 27, 2026

Alamogordo Town News / 2nd Life Media has exposed the alleged use of a fake social media profile by a deputy with the Otero County Sheriff’s Department. The anonymous account reportedly targeted local media members and political opponents of the Sheriff David Black / Undersheriff Raul Robles ticket ahead of the June 2 Republican primary for Otero County Sheriff.

The reported actions have raised serious questions regarding potential legal liability for the deputy and the Sheriff’s Department, including possible violations of department policies, ethical standards, and applicable state laws concerning the misuse of official authority.

Call for Accountability

Alamogordo Town News called on Sheriff David Black and candidate Raul Robles to publicly condemn the deputy’s alleged conduct and direct an immediate cessation of any further inappropriate or unethical actions in support of the Black/Robles ticket.

Neither Sheriff Black, Undersheriff Robles, nor their campaigns have issued a public statement or condemnation.

The Sole Response

Only one candidate, Geraldine Yazza Martinez, issued a clear and principled public statement addressing the matter

“The recent discovery of a Deputy operating behind a fake profile that has continuously attacked my campaign and many of the good people supporting it has caused me to pause and reflect.

There are two things I would like to address.

First, I ask that people not condemn the entire Sheriff’s Office over the actions of one individual. The men and women serving this community should not all be judged based on the behavior of a single person.

Second, the issue of fake profiles attacking candidates and their supporters is unfortunately not limited to one campaign.

Healthy discussion and passionate disagreement are part of the democratic process when done respectfully. I do not condone targeting others behind fake profiles. Personally, I find this kind of behavior disappointing and, at times, reprehensible.

I also recognize there are real people behind these accounts. People who, for whatever reason, feel more comfortable criticizing others anonymously.

To my supporters, I ask this: Please do not stoop to that level. Please remain calm and respectful. Set the example and lead with dignity.

Election Day is June 2nd, and emotions are understandably high. But I ask everyone to refrain from deliberately attacking any of the candidates courageous enough to run for public office and their supporters.

No matter the outcome of this election, we are still one community when it is over.”

Broader Context

This development continues a pattern of reported attempts to silence or discredit independent local journalism and independent public voices questioning the establishment in Otero County. It parallels earlier defamation threats made by Rep. John Block against Alamogordo Town News — threats that have been undermined as subsequent public court records, including the recent Melton v. Block filing, have substantiated key elements of ATN’s reporting.

Alamogordo Town News maintains its commitment to protected First Amendment journalism and transparency in local government. Voters will head to the polls on June 2, 2026. The absence of a response from the current administration of Black and Robles the systems preferred successor raises legitimate questions about leadership and accountability standards within the Otero County Sheriff’s Office at the highest level and may indeed support a need for change. 

Alamogordo Town News will continue monitoring this matter and provide updates as additional information or other statements are issued through public records and or court proceedings.

Related Coverage:

• Ongoing coverage of Melton v. Block and Rep. John Block

• Otero County Sheriff Candidate Forum Recap

Alamogordo Town News remains dedicated to factual, independent journalism for the people of Otero County.

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