NMSP NEWS RELEASE

A man has been convicted of multiple felony sex crimes involving minors following an investigation conducted by the New Mexico State Police and a week-long jury trial.

The investigation began in February 2023, when the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) opened an investigation into allegations of sexual abuse of a minor. During a forensic interview, APD learned the child victim disclosed sexual abuse by Lucas Miltenberger. Due to allegations spanning multiple jurisdictions, the case was turned over to the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau in March 2023.

During their investigation, NMSP agents identified a second potential victim. An interview with the second child resulted in disclosures consistent with criminal sexual contact of a minor.

On September 9, 2024, a grand jury indicted Miltenberger on multiple felony charges, including eight counts of Criminal Sexual Penetration in the Second Degree, Bribery of a Witness, Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor, multiple counts of Criminal Sexual Contact of a Minor, and Abuse of a Child. Miltenberger was arrested and taken into custody on September 24, 2024.

The case went to trial earlier this week. Following a week of testimony, a jury returned guilty verdicts on several felony sex crime charges involving children. Miltenberger now faces up to 91.5 years in prison.

The New Mexico State Police commend the victims, and their family, for their courage and cooperation throughout the investigation and judicial process.