White Rock Man Bound Over On Multiple Sexual Charges Involving Minors
Maxwell Tenbrook Sanford the third of White Rock was bound over to district court on multiple counts of criminal sexual contact and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. The arraignment is scheduled for Dec. 15, and the case raises questions about oversight of adults in positions of authority and the local justice system process.
On Dec. 8 Maxwell Tenbrook Sanford the third, 44, of White Rock was scheduled for arraignment on Dec. 15 before District Judge Anastasia Martin on a slate of charges that include three counts of second degree criminal sexual contact with a minor between the ages of 13 and 18 by a person in a position of authority, two counts of third degree criminal sexual contact with a minor between the ages of 13 and 18, and one count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
Sanford was initially charged in Los Alamos Magistrate Court, where he waived his preliminary hearing and was bound over to District Court. Prosecutors in the First Judicial District Attorney’s Office dismissed four additional charges of contributing to the delinquency of a minor before district level proceedings. The case will be prosecuted by senior trial attorney Elizabeth Counce of the First Judicial District Attorney’s Office, and Sanford is represented by Kathryn T. Fischer.
The filing and transfer to district court put the matter on a path that includes arraignment and pretrial proceedings, and it underscores the role of prosecutorial discretion in shaping which charges are pursued. For residents of Los Alamos County the proceedings highlight how allegations involving persons described as being in positions of authority intersect with local safety expectations for schools and youth programs even though no employer or specific institution has been named in court filings released to date.
Beyond immediate legal steps the case is likely to prompt calls for clarity from institutions that work with young people about reporting procedures, background checks, and training policies. County officials and boards responsible for youth services may face increased scrutiny from voters and from community members seeking assurances that safeguards are in place. Transparency about investigative and disciplinary practices can affect public confidence in local institutions and shape civic engagement ahead of municipal decision making.
As the district court timeline unfolds residents should expect further filings and court appearances. The arraignment is scheduled for Dec. 15 before District Judge Anastasia Martin, and the court record will determine how the matter proceeds through the district court system.
