BERNALILLO, NM (KJCT) – A Montrose County man is in federal custody in New Mexico on charges of child sexual assault, child prostitution and indecent exposure. The United States Marshals Service, along with several other agencies in a multi-jurisdictional operation, arrested Zachary Kyle Baca on a warrant out of Montrose County.

Law enforcement learned that Baca was traveling through New Mexico on Nov. 14 in a vehicle known to be associated with him along Interstate 40. The New Mexico-Southwest Investigative Fugitive Team of the USMS was deployed to the area and began a search to find the vehicle. . Around 3pm that day, Baca was spotted behind the wheel.

However, the USMS had also confirmed earlier that Baca was traveling with an “acquaintance associate” and two young children. Citing concerns for the safety of the passenger, children and the public, USMS said it followed the vehicle until it stopped at a gas station on Interstate 25 in Bernalillo, NM.

USMS waited and watched the area until Baca entered the gas station. When he came out, the marshals arrested him without incident.

“The Montrose Police Department is grateful for the collaboration and cooperation with the U.S. Marshals Service that led to the swift apprehension of Mr. Baca,” said Montrose Police Chief Blaine Hall. “Interagency collaboration, as in this example, greatly improves public safety and prevented further harm to victims or potential victims in this investigation.”

The USMS said Baca was then taken to the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center as an out-of-state fugitive. The woman he was traveling with, as well as the two young children, were released shortly after.

The USMS said the investigation and subsequent arrest was the result of the efforts of multiple agencies, including the Montrose Police Department, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, the New Mexico State Police, the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office and, of course, the U.S.S. Marshal Service.

“This is another great example of the effectiveness of our fugitive task forces across the country. Working closely with our local, state and federal partners toward a common goal allowed us to quickly take into custody a sexually violent predator who crossed state lines,” said U.S. Marshal for the District of Colorado, Kirk Taylor. “I would like to thank our teammates in New Mexico for their hard work, their efforts brought this fugitive safely into custody.”

Copyright 2024 KJCT. All rights reserved.