U.S. Marshals arrest a Montrose County fugitive accused of sexually assaulting a child

BERNALILLO, N.M. (KJCT) – A Montrose County man is in federal custody in New Mexico on charges of child sexual assault, child prostitution and indecent exposure. The United States Marshals Service, along with several other agencies in a multi-jurisdictional operation, arrested Zachary Kyle Baca on a warrant issued in Montrose County.

Law enforcement learned that Baca was traveling through New Mexico on November 14 in an associated vehicle along Interstate 40. The New Mexico-Southwest USMS Fugitive Investigation Division responded to the area and began a search for the vehicle. Around 3 p.m. that day, Baca was spotted driving.

However, the USMS also previously confirmed that Baca was traveling with a “known female associate” and two young children. Citing concerns for the safety of the passenger, children and the public, USMS said it followed the vehicle until it stopped at an Interstate 25 gas station in Bernalillo, New Mexico.

The USMS waited and watched the area until Baca entered the gas station. When he got out, marshals arrested him without incident.

“The Montrose Police Department is grateful for the cooperation and cooperation with the United States Marshals Service that resulted in the quick apprehension of Mr. Baca,” Montrose Police Chief Blaine Hall said in a statement. “Interagency cooperation, as in this example, greatly improves public safety and prevented further harm to victims or potential victims in this investigation.”

USMS said Baca was then taken to the Metropolitan Detention Center in Bernalillo County as an out-of-state fugitive. Shortly thereafter, the woman he was traveling with and two small children were released.

The USMS said the investigation and subsequent arrest were the result of the efforts of several agencies, including the Montrose Police Department, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, the New Mexico State Police, the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office and, of course, the United States Marshals Service.

“This is another great example of the effectiveness of our fugitive task forces across the country. Working closely with our local, state and federal partners towards a common goal allowed us to quickly arrest a violent sexual predator who crossed state lines,” said Colorado State Marshal Kirk Taylor. “I would like to thank our teammates in New Mexico for their hard work. Thanks to their efforts, the fugitive was safely brought into custody.”