Former deputy convicted

PORTALES — A former Roosevelt County sheriff’s deputy was convicted last week of a petty misdemeanor for possession of stolen property.

Chris McCasland, 34, was found guilty by District Judge Drew Tatum during a two-hour morning bench trial. Tatum took about 20 minutes to reach his decision.

Sentencing will be set at a later date. McCasland faces up to six months in jail and a $500 fine.

The charges arose from allegations McCasland was involved in 2014 burglaries in Angel Fire while he worked for its police department. He was indicted by a Roosevelt County grand jury last August for felony charges of receiving stolen property of $500 or more, but the charge was later amended to reflect the property value of $250 or less.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Brian Stover prosecuted for the state. McCasland was represented by Dean Border of Albuquerque in the virtual hearing. Attempts to contact both were unsuccessful.

McCasland is the son of Quay County Commission Chairman Franklin McCasland.