Las Cruces Basketball Coach Arrested In Child Porn Investigation

Las Cruces Police detectives and agents from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations have arrested a public school basketball coach on multiple felony counts of sexual exploitation of a child.

Erik B. Khan, 32, of the 600 block of La Melodia Drive, is charged with 15 counts of sexual exploitation of a child. Khan was arrested Wednesday and is being held without bond at the Dona Ana County Detention Center.

A Las Cruces Police computer forensics expert learned through an automated software program that a computer in Khan’s residence was possibly being used to download or share child pornography. The investigator determined that there were possibly hundreds of files stored on Khan’s computer between the dates of Sept. 9, 2011, and May 7, 2012.

Las Cruces Police investigators obtained a search warrant on Khan’s residence and executed it today with the help of the department’s SWAT team. There, investigators discovered the existence of hundreds of computer files containing child pornography.

Detectives learned that Khan has served as a basketball coach at Picacho Middle School and a volunteer coach at Mayfield High School. He also is believed to have served as a counselor for juvenile sex offenders in Mesa, Ariz., several years ago.

Las Cruces Police detectives have not identified any victims locally. The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are possible.

Anyone with information related to this case, or the manufacturing or distribution of child pornography, is asked to call Las Cruces Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Tips can be sent via email to lcpdtips@las-cruces.org.