Probation Officer Arrested

A probation officer with the New Mexico Corrections Department was arrested Tuesday in Albuquerque on charges related to the sexual assault of a probationer he supervised, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Gordon Chavez, 35, is accused of groping a female probationer during required office visits, federal prosecutors said. He also is accused of providing false statements to the FBI.

A complaint affidavit described Chavez’s alleged behavior, beginning with his comments on the victim’s appearance, her clothes and her sexual activity, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.

Ultimately, according to prosecutors, Chavez groped the woman against her will.

Chavez was booked into the Sandoval County Detention Center. He appeared in federal court Wednesday for his initial appearance.

Chavez began working for the state Corrections Department’s Probation and Parole division in February 2003, according to the department. He has been placed on administrative leave.

Anyone with additional information is asked to call the FBI’s Albuquerque office at (505) 889-1300.