On May 15, 2021 the Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 1200 block of Lincoln St. in Anthony, NM in reference to a report of a domestic disturbance that happened through the night.
When DASO deputies arrived on scene, a female was observed to have several visible injuries to include bruising on her body and neck. The female reported her ex-boyfriend, Jose Morales-Vasquez called her the night before at approximately 9:00 p.m. to ask for a ride after his vehicle broke down. The female gave Morales-Vasquez a ride to a convenience store to buy alcohol and while driving him to his residence located in the 300 block of County Rd. A-49, he began asking her to unlock her phone. When the female declined to unlock her phone, Morales-Vasquez battered her and took her car keys. Morales-Vasquez then punch the female’s windshield and refused to let the female leave his residence.
The female reported while inside the residence, Morales-Vasquez was drinking beer and snorting some kind of drugs. Morales-Vasquez continued to ask the female to open her phone at which point she did. Morales-Vasquez was further angered by text messages sent by a male. Morales-Vasquez continued to batter the female and broke her phone. The female advised DASO deputies she was 6 months pregnant. The female reported during the physical altercation, Morales-Vasquez grabbed her with both hands and strangled her. The female reported she lost consciousness but awoke to Morales-Vasquez punching her. The female told deputies she turned to her side to protect her belly from being hit. The female reported she attempted to leave but was unable to because Morales-Vasquez placed himself between her and the door. Morales-Vasquez eventually fell asleep and the female was able to leave the residence. The female was transported to Providence Hospital in El Paso, TX for medical care.
DASO Criminal Investigations Division and Metro Narcotics Agents conducted a search warrant on Morales-Vasquez home on May, 15, 2021. Several items consistent with drug trafficking were located in the home as well as 14.32 grams of presumed cocaine. On May 25, 2021 at approximately 3:28 p.m. in the 3800 block of Calle de las Margaritas with the assistance of DASO patrol, CID, SRT, Intelligence, and the Marshal’s Office, Morales-Vasquez was arrested without incident. Morales-Vasquez was charged with the following:
Kidnapping (1st Degree)
Trafficking (By Possession with Intent to Distribute) (Cocaine)
Aggravated Battery on a Household Member (Strangulation)
3x Battery on a Household Member
Criminal Damage to Property of a Household Member