New Mexico officers arrests man after stealing 10 Flock cameras
By Amari Saxton
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BERNALILLO COUNTY, New Mexico (KOAT) — The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a man for stealing Flock cameras around town.
Jevon Martinez was arrested on Sept. 2, after investigators said he removed 10 Flock camera safety systems without authorization, loaded the equipment into his pickup truck and livestreamed his actions on social media.
Court documents reveal that Martinez admitted that he personally removed the cameras, poles and solar panels. The ten systems that he stole had an estimated value of $16,500.
Only two of these cameras were associated with BCSO, and the additional eight were managed by other neighborhood associations.
Martinez said that he was “returning” the cameras to BCSO as a political statement, but investigators watched him drive past BCSO headquarters multiple times with equipment in his truck. The cameras were recovered after deputies stopped his truck outside of the sheriff’s office.
BCSO wants to reiterate that they did decide to end their contract with Flock Safety, but the cameras were not abandoned property, and members of the public were not authorized to dismantle or remove them.
Martinez has a criminal history dating back to 2003 where he faced multiple charges of sexually exploiting a minor. He was also arrested less than three months ago by Rio Rancho Police in connection with the removal and damage of similar license plate reader equipment. Martinez is currently facing nine pending felony charges in Sandoval County arising from the alleged removal and damage of license plate reader equipment.
Martinez was booked on charges of larceny (over $2,500) and interference with communications.
This investigation remains active. Investigators continue to review the recovered equipment, digital evidence and Martinez’s conduct. Additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues.
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