Executive Summary
- The FBI is offering a $5,000 reward for the arrest of former tribal police officer Justin Aguino.
- Aguino allegedly compromised a 2020 Homeland Security investigation and lied to federal agents in 2024.
- A federal warrant was issued on November 25 after Aguino violated his release conditions.
- Investigators believe the suspect is still located within New Mexico.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has announced a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of Justin Aguino, a former tribal police officer in New Mexico who is currently considered a fugitive. Federal authorities are seeking the public’s assistance in locating Aguino, who is wanted for violating the conditions of his release following an arrest related to obstruction charges.
According to FBI officials, the investigation into Aguino traces back to 2020, during his employment with the Ohkay Owingeh Police Department. Investigators allege that during this period, Aguino unauthorizedly disclosed information regarding an active Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) case, effectively compromising the federal probe.
In 2024, agents confronted Aguino regarding these allegations while he was employed by the Pojoaque Police Department. Authorities state that Aguino provided false statements to investigators during questioning, which led to his subsequent arrest. Although he was released from jail under specific court-mandated conditions, officials report that he violated these terms and absconded.
A federal warrant for Aguino’s arrest was issued on November 25. The FBI believes that Aguino remains within the state of New Mexico. The bureau is urging anyone with information regarding his whereabouts to contact federal authorities immediately.
Investigative Outlook
The search for a suspect with a background in law enforcement presents specific tactical challenges, as such individuals often possess an understanding of police methodology and tracking capabilities. The issuance of a monetary reward indicates that federal authorities are prioritizing the swift apprehension of the suspect to mitigate flight risks. It is important to note that all individuals, including Aguino, are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
