Mountainair EMS chief on leave amid child sex abuse charges
Digital Assignment Editor
The EMS chief who was among the first responders hospitalized during the deadly Mountainair hazmat response has been placed on leave.
Joshua Lewis is facing two counts of criminal sexual penetration of a child. The town says he was placed on leave on Aug. 17, 2026, but no other details were given.
In a statement from Mountain Mayor Peter Nieto, he writes, “Our EMS Chief was placed on paid administrative leave on August 17. As this remains a personnel matter, the Town cannot provide additional information regarding their status.
“EMS remains active and operational, with Torrance County EMS available to assist with certain calls when needed due to limited personnel availability.”
Lewis is scheduled in court on Sept. 16.
