⚠️ WARNING: The following story contains sensitive details about child sexual exploitation. Reader discretion is advised.
DEMING – New Mexico State Police have arrested a 65-year-old Sierra County man following an investigation into suspected child sexual abuse material.
On January 23, 2025, the NMSP Investigations Bureau received a CyberTip from the New Mexico Department of Justice’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The tip identified two media files uploaded through Facebook Messenger. With a search warrant served to Meta Platforms, agents were able to confirm the material and identify the user.
The investigation led to James Gatlin, who was found to be in possession of explicit video material involving children. On September 17, 2025, agents executed a search warrant at Gatlin’s residence, where additional material was seized. He was taken into custody and booked into the Sierra County Adult Detention Center on charges of Sexual Exploitation of Children (Possession).
Gatlin has a prior conviction for the same crime in 2016. State Police expressed appreciation to the Department of Justice’s ICAC agents and Homeland Security Investigations for their assistance in the case.
Authorities remind the public that vigilance, reporting, and partnership remain key in protecting children and bringing repeat offenders to justice.