Police have arrested a municipal employee suspected of using his city-issued credit card to buy merchandise from a local pool supply store for his personal use.
Rene Garcia, 36, of the 300 block of Las Parcelas Loop in Mesquite, N.M., is charged with one count of soliciting or receiving an illegal kickback, and one count of conspiracy to commit such a crime. Garcia was arrested Aug. 16 and booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center with bond set at $10,000.
Detectives learned that Garcia, an employee with the City of Las Cruces for nine years and a certified swimming pool operator since August 2010, used a city-issue credit card to purchases merchandise for personal use from Discount Pools and Spas at 111 S. Roadrunner Parkway.
Detectives learned that in late May 2012 Garcia used his city-issue credit card to buy a $1,000 barbeque grill for his own use and that Discount Pools rang up the sale as “miscellaneous pool supplies/chemicals.” Detectives subsequently initiated a search warrant at Garcia’s home where the grill was located.
Detectives also believe Garcia received cash from Discount Pools in exchange for purchasing supplies that are regularly used at city swimming pools.
Las Cruces Police are continuing their investigation and additional charges are possible.