A former Cuba police officer has filed a lawsuit claiming unlawful termination and whistleblower retaliation after reporting missing weapons, cash, and drugs from the department's evidence room.
CUBA, N.M. —
The village of Cuba, New Mexico, is facing legal scrutiny as former police officer Timothy Leyva has filed a lawsuit alleging unlawful termination and violations of the Whistleblower Protection Act after reporting missing items from the department's evidence room.
Jacob Candelaria, Leyva’s attorney and a former state senator, said, "Officer Timothy Leyva was injured in the line of duty and suffered a life-changing disabling injury while on the job, while trying to execute a lawful arrest." Following his injury in 2024, Leyva was placed on light duty, working in the evidence room, where he discovered missing weapons, cash, and drugs.
"He reported that to his then supervisor, the former chief of police," Candelaria said. Shortly after reporting the missing items, Leyva was fired.
Leyva also faced criminal charges while returning his department-issued gear, which court records show were later dismissed. Candelaria alleged, "The chief of police manipulated that kind of standard situation to actually bring false charges against Officer Leyva for stealing public property."
The lawsuit references David Coleman, who was the police chief at the time. Coleman, who is not named as a defendant in the suit, recently had his law enforcement certification challenged for reasons he...
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