Mayfield student trades cap, gown for cuffs

Sun-News report
Article Launched: 05/18/2008 12:00:00 AM MDT


Click photo to enlargeZachary R. Rodriguez (Courtesy photo)«1»LAS

CRUCES — Zachary R. Rodriguez, 18, was supposed to have his photo taken Saturday morning with the rest of his Mayfield High School graduating class.
Instead, he had it taken at booking.

Rodriguez, of the 5500 block of Red Fox Road, was arrested Friday night after Doña Ana Sheriff's Office deputies were called to a mobile home on South Main Street, whose owner allegedly arrived home to find Rodriguez in the living room.

Sheriff's spokesman Bo Nevarez said Rodriguez, who works with the homeowner's brother, attributed the "total disarray" to "two black men."

Nevarez said Rodriguez told the homeowner not to tell anyone about the break-in, then left when she said she was calling the police. When questioned, Rodriguez allegedly told investigators he had forced his way into the residence and "ransacked" it.

Nevarez said Rodriguez then led investigators to a Dumpster on the campus of New Mexico State University where he allegedly disposed of the items. Investigators report finding three rifles, a pistol, ammunition, an electric guitar, a massaging cushion, tools and other household items — they also found a pair of gloves and a crowbar. They also report finding a karaoke player and two boxes of spent ammunition inside Rodriguez's car.

After being taken to a holding cell for processing, Rodriguez allegedly complained of stomach pains and told investigators he had a vial of cocaine, for a "friend," wrapped in a condom and concealed in his rectum. Deputies said Rodriguez was allowed to use the bathroom in the holding cell, which produced the contents; they were placed into evidence.

Rodriguez is charged with aggravated burglary (armed after entering), a second-degree felony; and tampering with evidence, a third-degree felony.

Criminal charges concerning the vial and its alleged contents are forthcoming, pending presentation to the district attorney's office.

He is being held at the Doña Ana County Detention Center under a $35,000 bond.

http://www.lcsun-news.com/news/ci_9298645