Lawsuit Filed Over Alleged Sexual Abuse by Former Bayard Police Officer

The Silver City Daily Press featured Marisa Ong, Senior Counsel at Singleton Schreiber LLP, in a February 26, 2026 article called “Civil Rights Lawsuit Filed Against Former Officer, City of Deming and NM DPS.”

Ong represents the plaintiff, referred to as Jane Doe, in a civil rights lawsuit against former officer Jesus Lopez Jr., the City of Deming, and the New Mexico Department of Public Safety. The complaint claims that Lopez misused his authority while on duty and that the other parties did not step in, even though there were earlier documented concerns about his behavior.

The lawsuit focuses on claims of institutional failure and lack of proper supervision. The filing says that earlier reports of misconduct happened during Lopez’s previous law enforcement jobs, and his certification was later taken away after criminal charges. The case brings up legal questions about how agencies oversee officers, how certification is handled, and the responsibility of city and state authorities when misconduct is alleged.

“This case is about institutional failure,” said Marisa Ong of Singleton Schreiber. “The city of Deming and the New Mexico Department of Public Safety allowed a known risk to remain armed, certified and empowered. Their inaction enabled horrific abuse and placed an entire community in danger.”