First Week Stats Positive for ‘Not in Vain’

The first week of Operation Not in Vain 2025 proved successful with 37 felony arrests, 36 misdemeanor arrests, three stolen vehicles recovered and the seizure of 2.4 grams of methamphetamine.

“Our multi-agency team has hit the ground running and is seeing great success,” said Las Cruces Police Department Chief Jeremy Story. “This project goes well beyond the typical calls our officers respond to during their regular shifts, and the collaboration and commitment shown by everyone involved has been outstanding.”

The operation, which began April 28, included the May 1 surround and callout at a home that resulted in the apprehension of 10 individuals with active warrants. One of the men taken into custody at the home, on the 1900 block of Lyon Place, was 29-year-old George David Lessard who had four active felony warrants.

Lessard – one of 15 individuals located in the home – was wanted for two counts of larceny, non-residential burglary, residential burglary, breaking and entering, tampering with evidence, criminal damage to property, unlawful taking a motor vehicle, receiving or transferring a stolen vehicle and conspiracy.

Besides Lessard, five men and four women were also located at the Lyon Place home and arrested on warrants. The nine arrested were Hector E. Gonzalez, 53; David Joseph Padilla, 39; Micheala B. McBurrows, 30; Victor Rodriguez-Najera, 27; Terry William Bittle, 44; Desarae M. Ramirez, 33; Jessica Ramirez, 31; Destiny Monique Lopez, 31; and Nicholas James Sauceda, 35.

Five other individuals located in the home did not have warrants. The execution of the Lyon Place warrant was led by the New Mexico State Police Fugitive Apprehension Unit.