The city of Española employee who reported Mayor John Ramon Vigil to law enforcement for allegedly sexually assaulting her, has filed a petition for an order of protection against him in First Judicial District Court.
The victim filed the petition on June 27 in the First Judicial District Court, and the judge granted her a temporary order of protection. Vigil and the victim are scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday (7/2). During this hearing, Judge Denise M. Thomas will decide whether to grant the victim a permanent order of protection against Vigil.
Orders of protection differ from civil restraining orders in that they can only be obtained by people who experience domestic violence and abuse. In New Mexico, domestic abuse includes incidents of stalking and sexual assault committed by a household member or anyone else.
According to the petition filed by the victim, Vigil sexually assaulted her, sexually harassed her, verbally abused her and threatened her.
The Española City Council has called a special council meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday (7/2) with only one item on the agenda. They may enter executive session to discuss an employee complaint.
The council will again revisit Ordinance 2025-06 which would authorize the city of Española to opt in to local elections for the election of municipal officers commencing in November 2027. That item was on the 6/24 agenda but was not addressed because the meeting was rescheduled. At the time of adjournment, the meeting was scheduled for 7/2 but will be held, instead, tonight (Monday). The agenda item states a public hearing will be held. The meeting begins at 6 p.m. tonight at City Hall.
Check back here or pick up the Rio Grande SUN on Wednesday for more on this story.