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Multiple residents accuse alleged predator of violent crimes and call for investigations; council hears emotional public testimony
Summary
At least half a dozen residents testified about alleged violent crimes by an individual they identified as Charlie Harris, demanded investigations of property managers and police handling of complaints, and called for a task force and survivor support resources.
Several residents used the public‑comment portion of the May 27 meeting to accuse an individual identified in testimony as Charlie Harris of violent crimes, including drugging, sexual assault and homicide, and to demand investigations of property management practices and law‑enforcement responses.
Seth Beeman described repeated encounters beginning in 2024, saying he followed up with several law enforcement agencies and obtained a restraining order in June 2024. Beeman said he could not get a police report taken promptly and that he fears the man remains a danger. “Why is this man still free?” Beeman asked the council, and he listed several victims by name in the public record.
Margaux Macias delivered lengthy testimony calling for a “criminal investigation into Monarch Properties, Mariposa Apartments and Tabitha Rivera for knowingly allowing a dangerous man to live on their property” and for “a full public review of the Taos Police Department’s handling of reports and complaints about Charlie Harris, including a timeline of who knew what and when.” Macias named victims and accused property management of enabling the suspect’s actions.
Other speakers recounted personal experiences, restraining orders, and near‑misses. One witness, Brandy, said she had lived in hiding for months and described multiple prior incidents and two restraining orders in different states. Testimony included allegations of a suspect using aliases and of connections to out‑of‑county warrants.
Speakers requested that the council and police department pursue a deeper investigation, create a task force on trafficking and sexual assault, and pursue housing accountability and survivor support services. Several speakers said they had previously met with Mayor Maestas and Detective Cordova and said they felt law enforcement did not act on their reports.
Council took no immediate formal action in response to the public comments during the meeting; several council members and attendees acknowledged the gravity of the allegations and said staff and law enforcement would be expected to follow up outside the public meeting. The record of public comments documents residents’ demands for investigations and stronger protective measures for victims.
