The handling of a press inquiry by a Marfa Police Department supervisor is prompting a formal professional-standards complaint alleging dishonesty and unprofessional conduct.
During reporting on allegations raised by a former Marfa police officer, Big Bend Times encountered conduct by Lt. Nichole Fuentes that raises concerns about the department’s transparency, accuracy in public statements, and treatment of media inquiries.
Disputed statement regarding legal counsel
While seeking comment from the Marfa Police Department prior to publication, Lt. Fuentes stated that the department could not comment because “an attorney had contacted us.”
That explanation conflicted with information provided by the source, who repeatedly stated that he had not retained legal counsel and that no attorney had contacted the department on his behalf. According to the source, contact with the department had been made by a union representative, not an attorney.
After receiving Fuentes’ statement, Big Bend Times reconfirmed the issue directly with the source, who again denied retaining counsel or authorizing attorney contact with the city.
When asked directly whether she was standing by her statement that an attorney had contacted the department — or whether that statement had been made in error — Fuentes did not clarify or correct the record.
Repeated deflection during press inquiry
Instead of addressing the question, Fuentes responded by asking whether the call involved an emergency, despite the context of the call being a clearly identified media inquiry.
The question was repeated calmly and professionally multiple times. Fuentes did not answer and ultimately terminated the call.
The interaction occurred after Big Bend Times had already:
Identified itself as a news organization, Explained the nature of the inquiry, Provided advance notice that publication was imminent, and Made multiple attempts to reach Chief Gilbert Carrillo for comment.
Professional standards complaint forthcoming
Based on the interaction, Big Bend Times is submitting a formal professional standards complaint alleging that Fuentes:
Made or repeated a materially inaccurate statement regarding legal counsel, Failed to correct or clarify that statement when directly questioned, Responded to a legitimate press inquiry with a non sequitur implying misuse of emergency resources, and Terminated a call rather than address a factual clarification central to the department’s stated reason for refusing comment.
The complaint alleges violations related to honesty, professionalism, and duty to cooperate with lawful media inquiry.
Context matters
For context, Big Bend Times has previously had professional and appropriate interactions with Fuentes, including a routine traffic stop related to nighttime photography in Marfa. That encounter was calm and respectful, making the handling of this inquiry more concerning.
No response from department leadership
Chief Carrillo’s office was contacted multiple times with urgent messages requesting comment. No response was received. Fuentes stated Carrillo was unavailable until Monday, and no acting spokesperson or written response was provided.
The City of Marfa’s legal counsel has confirmed receipt of public information requests related to the underlying allegations and departmental records.
Big Bend Times will update this story if the department responds or if findings result from the professional standards complaint.
