LAPD Executes Jemez Springs Warrant, Recovers Stolen Property and Explosive Devices

The Los Alamos Police Department executed a court-authorized search warrant at a residence in Jemez Springs on February 19, 2026, and recovered approximately $10,000 in suspected stolen property, several explosive devices, and components used to assemble non-serialized firearms commonly referred to as "ghost guns." LAPD said the seizure is connected to the February 17 arrests of three burglary suspects.

LAPD described the warrant as part of an ongoing investigation into multiple burglaries across Los Alamos County, including storage unit break-ins, and said the suspected stolen property recovered during the search was linked to cases in Los Alamos County, Jemez Springs, and Jemez Pueblo. Working alongside the Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Forest Service, and National Park Service Rangers, officers searched two vehicles, a recreational vehicle and the Jemez Springs residence during the operation.

LAPD Cmdr. Brent Hudspeth framed the operation as a cross-jurisdictional effort: "This case demonstrates what strong partnerships and focused investigative work can accomplish. When criminal activity crosses jurisdictional lines, we work together to protect our communities." The department added, "Special recognition is extended to Cpl. Pete Rogahn, Cpl. Robert Desatoff and Detective Cindy Garcia, whose diligent investigative work and organization were instrumental in advancing this investigation and enhancing the safety of the Los Alamos community and surrounding areas."

The department reported that the explosive devices and ghost-gun components were safely secured and that "there was no immediate threat to the public." LAPD said the investigation remains active and warned that "additional charges may be filed as evidence is reviewed with the appropriate prosecuting authority," while also stating that "further details will not be released at this time to protect the integrity of the case."

The agency did not release names of the three suspects arrested on February 17, did not provide an itemized inventory of the items that make up the approximately $10,000 estimate, and did not specify the number or types of explosive devices seized. The LAPD statement contains no address for the searched Jemez Springs residence, and no separate statements from the Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Forest Service, or National Park Service Rangers were included in the release.

Investigators in Los Alamos County say the evidence recovered on February 19 advances a probe into multiple burglaries across the region, and that prosecutorial review will determine whether additional charges are filed. For now, LAPD maintains that operational details will remain restricted to preserve the integrity of the ongoing investigation.