A Rio Rancho man is facing nine felony charges after police say he ripped out and destroyed city-owned license plate reader cameras and solar equipment along NM 528, leaving handmade “Republic of New Mexico” flags in their place.
The man is charged with three counts each of larceny over $2,500, criminal damage to property over $1,000, and tampering with evidence, according to a criminal complaint filed June 17 in Bernalillo Magistrate Court. Investigators say the Flock Safety cameras and solar panels — valued between $3,000 and $5,000 apiece — were removed or damaged at three NM 528 locations between May 20 and 21.
Officers linked the man to the scenes through a traffic stop matching a vehicle-of-interest photo and flags found in his truck, the complaint states. He later admitted to detectives that he removed the equipment using a ladder and tools, and that the flags were his “calling sign,” court records show.
Investigators recovered a solar panel and battery from neighbors’ trash cans after tracking GPS data from the missing equipment, according to the complaint.
Police said the 44-year-old man caused more than $20,000 worth of damage and is expected to appear in court on July 13.