Statement from Attorney General Raúl Torrez and Albuquerque Police Department Chief Harold Medina on Charges Against Former APD Officer Kenneth Skeens

Albuquerque, NM – “Today my office filed charges against former APD Officer Kenneth Skeens for his role in the unlawful arrest of a customer with disabilities who was struggling to complete his purchase at a Target located in Albuquerque in August of 2022. Rather than acting as a professional public servant and a guardian of vulnerable members of this community, Mr. Skeens engaged in abusive and unlawful behavior that undermined public safety and violated his oath as a peace officer in the State of New Mexico,”

“We are grateful to the Albuquerque Police Department who alerted us to this crime and deserves credit for removing Skeens from its ranks of dedicated public servants. These charges illustrate my office’s commitment to accountability, especially for those who we entrust to protect us but who in turn take advantage of vulnerable community members.” said Attorney General Torrez.

“We took immediate action when we learned about the allegations of unacceptable behavior by this individual who abused his oath as a police officer,” said APD Chief Harold Medina. “Our officers work hard every day to earn the trust of the people they serve. We appreciate the work of the Attorney General’s Office to hold this person accountable and ensure that no one is above the law.”

Skeens has been charged with false imprisonment, filing of a false police report, perjury and battery.