The Aztec Police Department investigated a March 4 disturbance involving a 14-year-old girl. This investigation led to two felony charges against an Aztec man.

Police File Arrest Warrant

Aztec Police filed an arrest warrant affidavit against 65-year-old Thomas L. Van Hesteren on March 16, 2026. He faces two fourth-degree felony counts of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor.

Aztec Police Lieutenant Heather Knibbs filed the affidavit. She wrote that dispatchers sent officers to a disturbance on the afternoon of March 4.

Details of the Allegations

Court documents allege Van Hesteren lived at a home on North Rio Grande Avenue. He allegedly approached the 14-year-old victim there and gave her a condom. Shortly after, Van Hesteren allegedly placed a $5 bill near the victim. He then asked her to expose her breasts.

According to court documents, the minor felt confused and unsure of how to react. Van Hesteren allegedly returned with a second $5 bill and repeated his demand. Following the encounter, the victim fled the home to seek help.

A forensic interviewer spoke with the minor at a safehouse. The minor detailed the events. She expressed fear of Van Hesteren and said the incident made her feel “disgusting.”

Aztec Police officers interviewed Van Hesteren at the scene on March 4. Officers read him his Miranda Rights, and he agreed to speak.

Suspect Interview and Admissions

The affidavit describes police body camera footage of the interview. Van Hesteren admitted to offering the money. He stated, “Somehow today I thought it was appropriate to show her a $5 bill to show me her titties.”

Van Hesteren repeatedly insisted to officers that he never physically touched the victim. However, he reportedly acknowledged his actions. He told an officer, “what I said and what I did was wrong, morally.” He also stated, “obviously I crossed the line.”

Officers noted an odor of alcohol on Van Hesteren. He admitted to drinking earlier in the day. Aztec Police officers recovered the money at the scene. They seized the bills as evidence.

The allegations follow a separate Bloomfield case involving an alleged assault in a shed, according to court records.

The law presumes all suspects innocent until a court proves them guilty.