Editing Columbus, New Mexico (section)

===2011 gun-smuggling scandal===
In July 2011, Columbus dissolved its police force after a gun-smuggling scandal that involved its village officials and others.<ref name=Yahoo>{{cite news |url=https://news.yahoo.com/blogs/lookout/mexico-town-dissolves-police-dept-gun-smuggling-scandal-184408968.html#more-13679 |title=New Mexico town dissolves police dept after gun smuggling scandal |publisher=Yahoo |author=Liz Goodwin |date=July 12, 2011 |access-date=July 12, 2011 }}</ref> The mayor, a village trustee, a former police chief, and nine other people were indicted in the scandal.<ref name=Yahoo /> The case was prosecuted by the [[United States Attorney]] from [[El Paso, Texas]], before [[United States District Court for the District of New Mexico|United States District Court]] Judge [[Robert C. Brack|Robert Brack]] in [[Las Cruces, New Mexico]]. Of the 11 people charged, 10 pleaded guilty, with one person still at large. Sentences ranged from five years in federal prison to two years' probation.<ref>[http://www.lcsun-news.com/las_cruces-news/ci_20858191/former-columbus-mayor-sentenced-gun-smuggling-case Brian Fraga. Former Columbus, N.M., mayor sentenced in gun-smuggling case. ''Las Cruces Sun-News''. Posted: June 14, 2012] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120616213718/http://www.lcsun-news.com/las_cruces-news/ci_20858191/former-columbus-mayor-sentenced-gun-smuggling-case |date=June 16, 2012 }}</ref>