Mountainair Mayor Peter Nieto announced on social media that the town had hired Paul Lucero as the new chief of police on Sept. 17. Less than two weeks later, Nieto took to social media to address “some rumors that have been circulating lately” about a connection between Lucero and the former police chief, Juan Reyes.
Nieto told The Independent that it was rumored Lucero and Reyes were cousins and had previously worked together.
“We assure you that these rumors are not true. Paul Lucero and Juan Reyes are not related in any way, nor do they have any recollection of knowing or working with each other,” Nieto posted on social media on Sept. 27. “The circulation of false rumors has considerably impacted our current challenges surrounding law enforcement. I have full confidence that once Paul successfully completes his background check and psychological evaluation, he will take on the role of Chief of Police and work diligently to restore law and order in Mountainair. I encourage our community to give him the fair opportunity he deserves before making any judgments.”
When Lucero takes over the position, he will be filling a role that has been vacant since 2022, when it was announced that Reyes had resigned his position.
“Reyes retired in September of 2022,” Nieto said. “There was a lot going on and our pay was not sufficient enough for those headaches.”
According to previous reporting in The Independent, on Feb. 20, the Mountainair Town Council approved the hiring of Jimmy Macon, a law enforcement officer from Florida, as the new Mountainair police chief. At a March 19 Town Council meeting, Nieto said rumors that Macon would be arriving soon were inaccurate.
About six months later, Lucero is set to take over the position pending the completion of background and psychological tests and his two-week notice to his current employer.
Nieto said what the town needs now is law enforcement and the community showing its support for Lucero.
“We recently came across an alarming social media post showing needles and a spoon — drug paraphernalia — discarded on a road where children may walk. This is absolutely horrible and disgusting. We need law enforcement now more than ever to address these pressing issues and ensure the safety of our community,” Nieto said. “The community’s support is just as vital as the work done by our law enforcement officers. My hope is to foster a strong relationship between the police and our community, where we support one another in upholding the law and addressing any issues that arise locally. When we work together, we can effectively combat crime and ensure our community remains safe for all.”
