County Deputy Assessor Arrested After Target Shoplifting, Drug Charge

Los Alamos County chief deputy assessor Lucas Fresquez, 45, and his wife Andrea Fresquez, 37, a records specialist with the Los Alamos Police Department, were arrested October 11 by Santa Fe Police Department officers after Target asset protection reported unpaid items at the store. Both were charged with shoplifting $250 or less after officers located items in their vehicle valued under $200.

Santa Fe Magistrate Court documents show asset protection staff told officers the couple had used the store self checkout without scanning items and were known to have multiple cases since July. Police ran the couple s license plate and followed them along Cerrillos Road before locating them in the parking lot of the Smith s store. When approached by officers, both said they would return to Target and pay for the items. The shoplifting charges are misdemeanor level.

A search incident to the arrest of Lucas Fresquez uncovered a blue plastic container with a white powdery substance in his front pocket. Fresquez told officers the substance was Subutex and that he held a prescription, but the container allegedly did not indicate he had a prescription and the medication was crushed into tiny pieces. He was charged with possession of a controlled substance. Subutex is a buprenorphine medication used to treat opioid addiction.

Both Fresquez family members are represented by attorney Johnn Osborn. Court documents listed an initial pretrial hearing for Andrea Fresquez on December 12 before Santa Fe County Magistrate Judge Donita Serna, and an intermediate pretrial hearing for Lucas Fresquez on December 19 before the same judge. Andrea Fresquez is no longer employed by the Los Alamos Police Department. A Los Alamos County spokesperson said Lucas Fresquez continues to be employed by the county.

The arrests carry local implications beyond criminal proceedings. The assessor s office handles property valuations that affect tax bills and municipal revenue, and a chief deputy s legal exposure can erode public trust and prompt calls for clearer conduct and oversight policies. The removal of a records specialist from police department duties also raises questions about records integrity and departmental staffing.

Residents have a stake in how county and law enforcement leaders respond. Expect officials to detail any internal reviews, administrative actions, or temporary reassignments that protect public records and maintain continuity in the assessor s office. Court hearings scheduled in mid December will provide the next public milestones, and residents can monitor filings and attend sessions to follow developments that affect local governance and accountability.