strange. Go ahead and step out here. >> So, I'm just here to find out how those images >> Mhm. >> were on your cuz we know they were on your phone cuz they got backed up. >> How they got to your phone? Okay. Almost all of them were were tr synchronous, >> right? >> And they gave me pretty much everything that was backed up. And in that backup was, you know, uh pictures of you, some videos of you. make me understand is how this happened. >> Well, there's probably nothing I can say that's going to make you understand. >> In May 2022, the Sandaval County Sheriff's Office in New Mexico faced a shocking internal investigation targeting one of their own, Deputy Robert Strand, suspected of possessing disturbing images and videos on his electronic devices. The investigation was sparked by tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, revealing that Strand's devices contained explicit materials involving young victims. Special Agent Clarence Gibson arrived with a search warrant for Strand's residence and electronic devices, confronting the deputy to uncover the truth behind these allegations. The gravity of the situation was clear from the outset as Gibson sought to understand how such content ended up on a law enforcement officer's phone. I want to opinion special in charge clearance Gibson. >> Yes, sir. >> I have a search warrant for your residence. I have a search warrant for any electronic device that's on your person. >> So, you need to turn over any cell phone you have. Is this the only cell phone? >> Yeah. >> Is this personal or which one's personal? Which one? >> Personal work. >> Work. >> Okay. >> I'm going to ask you if you want to sit down and talk with us about why we have a search warrant for your residence. This is up to you. It's totally up to you. I'm not going to, you know, we can't force you to to speak with us. If you want to speak with us, we'll go behind the door here and me and special agent Gibson will >> will talk with you. All right, come on in. >> Like I said, we'll go behind the door so no one else can. Well, during the interrogation, Gibson meticulously read Strand his Miranda rights, ensuring the deputy understood the legal protections afforded to him before any questioning began. Strand acknowledged these rights, signing a waiver to speak without a lawyer present, a decision that opened the door for investigators to probe deeper. He provided his full name, address, and phone number, confirming the details linked to the incriminating reports. This step was crucial as it established Strand's willingness to cooperate, setting the stage for a candid, albeit troubling discussion about the evidence. >> So, due to the fact, you know, this is an interview, okay? Um on I'm going to tell you I what I do, okay? I do internet crimes against children, okay? There's been some reports of some incidents of uh some activity coming from your basically your electronic device in your possession and was reported to the National Center for Missing Expo Children. I'm just here to get your side of the story. I'm not here to pass any >> No, you're fine. >> Um so, well, first of all, what you like everything else, we have to do your advisor rights. Okay. I'm going to give you a page to go along with me. All right. Um, but first of all, uh, what's your full name, sir? >> Robert Strand, STR AMD. >> Your address, sir? >> Bernal, New Mexico, 87004. >> Okay. And um, what what's your phone number, sir? >> 505. And the time now is 9:13. >> Yes, sir. >> So again, before we ask you any questions, >> you have to understand your rights. >> Okay? You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and be used against you in a court. You have the right to talk to a lawyer for advice before we ask you any questions and have him with you during questioning. If you cannot afford a lawyer, one will be for you before any questions if you wish. If you decide to answer questions now without a lawyer present, you still have the right >> to stop answering at any time. You also have the right to stop answering at any time until you do talk to a lawyer. You understand these rights. >> Okay. What I just need you to do as a sign is just all you're signing for is that I've read you these rights and that you understand these rights. Then we'll get to the waiver. Okay. So just sign right there [Music] and I'll witness it and I have special agent in charge uh Gibson also sign right there if you're wavering your rights. All right. So, like I said, we do have a search warrant for your residence. Before we go any further, is your who's is there anyone currently at your house? Okay. So, what happened was some images and some GIFs were reported through the backup service. It's called Synchronos is the backup for like Verizon and stuff like that. Currently, your cell phone is through >> Yeah, your Verizon. So, when you first sign up for Verizon, you get this 3month backup service for free. >> What happened was when you had your cell phone >> and you had that service. >> Everything that you had on your phone got backed up. >> Okay. >> Okay. by by federal law, all providers, all what they call ESPs or electronic service providers are required by federal law that if they see anything that meets the state criteria or meets the criteria for or looks like child or materials, >> they have the they have they have to report it to the National Center for Miss. >> So at that point there was five and so what happens when the National Center for Missing Expo Children gets it? Mhm. >> These these reports they have to they have to look at okay where does the cell phone come back to? Who's who who's connected to the cell phone? Uh what emails? And before we go any further, do you have any email addresses? >> Uh voices >> in the wing. >> Okay. So I will tell you that is the email that was attached to to these and this was also the same phone number that was attached to all those reports going forward. So um so it captures a lot of information. So like if you you know log in your phone with your email whatever it's going to catch that and all that stuff gets reported up. In this case, there was five separate times. And so it basically lasted between January of 2021 and about uh March sometime in March, like March 22nd, March 25th of 2020 21 is when we got the reports. >> I'm not saying that's when the backup happened. >> Did you get that? Did you get a new phone around January of 2021? >> I think so. I think that's when I bought it. >> Um, is it this current phone or is it a different phone? It's this one. >> Okay. So, um it got a And are are any of your phones password protected? >> Yeah. >> This one is your personal, correct? >> Yeah. >> Um is what's the password on this? >> 33 11 one 33. >> It's not biometrics or anything. Just just the pen. Yes. >> Okay. So, so when this all these images, so throughout the whole five uh cyber tips, there was 141 images >> and some of them are GIFs. You know what a GIF is? It's like a little meme type thing where there's like a short video type thing. There's generally no sound. It's a clip. So out of those 141 um almost all of them were were child. >> So then I did a search warrant two synchronos >> right >> and they gave me pretty much everything that was backed up and in that backup was you know uh pictures of you some videos of you that that weren't child materials and like uh your guide licenses and stuff PDFs and stuff like that text message and stuff like that. So, I'm just here to find out how those images were on your cuz we know they were on your phone cuz they got backed up. How they got to your phone, okay? And I'm just here to just to get yours side. I'm not here to cast any I'm not I'm not I'm not a judge and I'm not a jury. I'm just here to get your side story. How did this happen? How make me understand is how this happened. Well, there's probably nothing I can say that's going to make you understand, >> but >> well, let's just put I'll give you a little bit about my background is is I've been doing these now since 2009 and I'm not here and I've heard every different kind of this and that and I'm not here. All I want is and to be honest, I'm going to be totally straight with you if you're totally straight with me. And that's and I think that's just a respect thing, >> you know. Um, I mean that's the same thing I've always respected, especially Agent Gibson in charge of Gibson cuz he's always been straight with me and I'm not that kind of guy. I'm not here to I'm just here to figure out what went what how that happened and to also go further to make sure that there's and ultimately to make sure there's no child that's that's that's that you that like you're telling me you're you're a home loan so that that there's no one else at your house. So that that makes me feel a little bit more easier that there's no one there. >> But we you are going to talk about do you have contact with children and stuff like that. You know I understand you have a brother who has a niece and stuff like that but we'll get to that here in a minute. I just want to hear your side of why how this happened. >> I don't really know. >> Did you All right. Let's let's just go. So, how did you first come in knowledge of these images that were out there and how they get how did they get to your phone? >> Uh, pretty much downloading. >> Okay. >> And then >> and when you say let's let's just break it into just everything or adult. >> Okay. >> That's how it started. >> Yeah. >> Okay. And then then what happened? You just found it and then got an interest in it >> a little bit. Okay. >> But then everything's deleted. So >> Okay. >> Um, so do you know when you got this phone exactly? >> I don't. >> Okay. And where did you buy where did you get that phone from? >> I ordered it to Verizon. >> Verizon. Okay. So, so the time frame we were talking about, January 2021 to March 2021, those images and GIFs were on your phone. >> No. >> No. When did you get rid of them? >> Exactly. >> All >> Okay. >> I got rid of all right away. >> Okay. And when you mean right right away? I just need to know because >> I want to make sure that the national center isn't reporting something that that isn't that it wasn't true, >> right? >> Um for one and just to find a time frame >> of when you had those >> I couldn't tell you. >> Okay. >> And I couldn't even tell you if if it was >> okay. >> I couldn't. >> Okay. So here here's here's here's here's the other question I have. When I got when I did that search warrant to to Synchronos, which is the backup service for Verizon, um they didn't report any adult with it. >> It's all child. Is that what you're interested in? >> No. Okay. So, when you you've never to Okay. Gibson revealed that 141 images and GIFs primarily depicting sexual abuse material were found backed up on Strand's Verizon cloud service synchronos linked to his phone and email. Federal law mandates that electronic service providers report any discovered child sexual abuse material to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. These materials, reported between January and March 2021, included over 50 identified victims, some as young as under 10 years old. Strand's phone, obtained through Verizon, had automatically backed up its contents, exposing the illicit files. Gibson pressed Strand on how these images ended up on his device, emphasizing that forensic analysis would uncover even deleted files, leaving no room for evasion. So when you were going out and just looking for how'd you go looking for it? >> Just on the internet. >> Okay. So you'd get on the internet just on your phone? Just on the just on your phone. No other devices or anything? >> No, that's that's all I really have. >> You don't have any computers or anything at the house or >> No. If I do it, it doesn't work. You guys can go through my house. >> Yeah, they're going to I mean we we have to. It's part of this the search war. Is your work phone passed? >> Yes. >> What's the work phone? >> The same password. >> Same password. Same. I noticed you drove up in a vehicle. >> Yes. >> Is that your work? Is there any electronic items in there? No other cell phones or anything. Okay. I'm going to look. >> Okay. And that the sheriff's department give me permission to look. So, just just want to make sure that there's nothing for that. That's fine. Um Oh. Is there we get to your just in the side thing that about at your house in the search war house. Are there any safe? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Yes. I have the combination. >> Okay. I was going to say I don't we don't >> you guys can go through anything you want. >> You're not going to find anything. >> So what's the combos for you? >> 33 11 33. >> So same thing. Is it just one safe? >> It's just one safe. >> And where's that located? It's located. You go straight down the hallway to the back door and it drops down into the shop. It's It's >> So, it's in the shop. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Want to let Okay. Know that. >> Yeah. We didn't want to break your We didn't want to break your safes. We didn't want to break your doors. We You guys can go through anything you want to go through. Okay. Angelo Dona. Heat. Heat. So just on the internet, was there any specific other sites that you went to that I >> just late at night going through your phone looking for? >> Yeah, >> that type of deal. >> Yeah, I did get viruses. I don't know. Okay. >> I I I could like I said, >> you don't remember this time period you were doing it. Was it before 2021? Was it after 2020? >> Okay. Did you ever see those images that children? >> I did see them when I got on to cloud >> uh >> or whatever it is. >> Yeah, >> not cloud. uh whatever the rise and thing is and I >> okay I said you can go through whatever and then nothing else after that. Okay. So, is there any time that you're alone with your niece? >> No. >> And what's your niece's name? >> She's not even my niece. It's a buddy. >> Oh, I thought it was her brother. >> No. >> Okay. Everyone thought he was her brother. >> I was kind of wondering cuz he has a different last name. Alred. Well, nobody's in danger of being >> I mean I understand cuz I would do the same thing. >> Yeah, >> I I get it. >> So, cuz his name's Andrew, right? >> Andrew. >> Mhm. >> You've never been alone with his dog? >> No. Okay. >> No. >> And the reason we asked that is because there's >> pictures >> on social media of you guys together with the with with her. >> Did you know her name? Uh but never alone. >> No. >> Okay. >> Where does he live? Does he live? Someone says he >> s Okay. Cuz we had a a little conflicting addresses. one where he showed he he lived on Carolina with you or >> and then Okay. >> Yeah. There was a conflicting address. [Music] [Music] Yeah, just if you want to start taking these. >> I send him the the pins. And you understand why we did the way we did this. >> Yeah. I mean, we always have to be >> careful. >> Careful. I mean, you probably I mean, you understand this better than most anybody else that I've ever had to interview or do anything here. So, Um, so once you saw it, you erased it. Mhm. >> Never had any interest in it. Um, you just got it when you went looking for other adult. >> Um, so were you just looking at it and then you weren't were you saving any that when you saw it or? No, >> I was probably pissed for. Okay. I mean, this happens. [Music] >> So, I couldn't even tell you. >> Okay. So, just let you know a little bit about what's going to happen with the phones. We have forensic people, >> right? They'll take you in. >> They take Well, they'll see everything, even stuff that you think you may have deleted. And this is just I'm just giving you your opportunity to become upfront about anything else that may be that that you're not telling us here that you may want to say different now than knowing that there are going to be full forensic exams done on this. Um, so, um, if there's anything that you need to change now or or tell me different now. >> I told you I downloaded just and >> Okay. >> Once I realized that some things were bad, I erased it right away. >> Okay. I mean, I can't can't deny that. So, what is going to happen? We're going to wait for the exams to be done. >> Okay. Um I now I have nothing to do with what's going to happen with with the short department. Um but for for now currently right now >> um we're not arresting you. >> No, >> unless you cuz he's going to start exam right now on these phones. If he finds anything on these phones, I am like I said, I'm going to be honest with you. You I find any >> or anything like that you will we will arrest you. >> Why not? >> Okay. >> All right. Like I said, everything that I've downloaded >> whether would it be not this or that and I've seen it. I erased it. >> Okay. >> It's like >> Okay. And like I said, that's why I wanted to get your side and just be like, well, hey, >> yeah, >> he's I I wanted to hear your understanding of it. And generally, that's what we do is we we don't automatically go in blind going, "Okay, let's let's let's get this guy." >> Um, none of the search warrants. Yeah. >> I mean, they do have your name, but they don't say where you work. >> Okay. >> Okay. I left that out. >> Um I don't know if anybody in the courthouse knows you or anything, but they will be filed. >> Yeah. >> Uh after today. >> Okay. >> Okay. So, just let you know. >> Yeah, I know. >> But they do have your name. They don't have your date of birth >> or anything like that in them. >> I appreciate that. Um >> and like I said, whatever you guys need, you can go through my house. There's nothing. >> That's what they're getting ready to do now. So, um, we we just wanted to again wanted to we talk to you, get your key just so we were breaking down doors, >> especially, you know, no one's home. >> We have a search warrant. We're going to give a bit of time. We're going to break down the door. >> Mhm. >> And we're not and just didn't want to do that to you. >> And then uh and then of course, you mean you've been very upfront. You've given me pins and >> you gave us safe numbers so we didn't have to destroy your safes. And >> I don't I don't have nothing. >> Okay. I really don't. >> Okay. Which is pretty much everybody that that knew you that I talked to, you said this is probably how how would it go that you'd probably be just this is >> I said anything that was there that I seen after I would just erase it. >> And you can't tell me exactly >> I I don't I don't >> when that occurred. I mean generally you can place it around an event. >> Was it like Christmas of 2020, Thanksgiving? I can't I can't. >> Was it or was it Was it 2021? Was it 2020? Was it >> So, I got a bad problem. Sometimes I drink a little too much. >> Yeah. >> You know, and once I do that, I kind of just go off and I can't don't realize a lot of things till the next day. >> Okay. >> And it's just like >> Okay. You think this was during one of those times? >> Oh, yeah. Yeah. Cuz like I said, as soon as I seen it, I'll race it. Okay. When confronted, Strand admitted to downloading the material, claiming it began with adult content before stumbling upon child exploitation images, which he said he deleted immediately upon realizing their nature. Knowingly possessing such content is a federal offense under 18 USC section 2252, regardless of intent to delete. He attributed his actions to being drunk, acknowledging a personal issue with alcohol, but insisting he erased the files to avoid further involvement. Strand's vague timeline and inability to pinpoint when he accessed the material raised suspicions. As Gibson noted, the forensic team would verify his claims against the phone's unallocated space, where deleted files linger. His attempt to downplay the incident as a mistake, fueled by intoxication did little to alleviate the gravity of the findings. Gibson remains skeptical, emphasizing that the forensic evidence would ultimately reveal the extent of Strand's involvement. All right. >> Like, yeah, you might see stuff that's been erased on there, but >> Okay. And at least with >> if we find stuff that's been deleted, >> there's nothing on there. >> That's going to give us a time frame at least. So, when that >> cuz at least when you delete something, there's a there's a date >> and a time that's been when that was deleted. >> It'll also show a date and a time when that was uploaded so or when it's downloaded from whatever site you're looking at and and and downloaded to there. [Music] >> You got anything? >> No, sir. I think you're good. So, we'll end this interview at 9:37. Okay. And uh thank you for definitely speaking with us and and again um I'm going to turn you over to I think they're going to have some probably something speak with you. You're ch um as I understand it, but not terminating you. They're just going to put you on administrative leave. So, how does that work? >> What's that? >> So, let's say you know >> I said I didn't deny that they were there when I seen them. I mean, obviously they raised. >> Yes, sir. >> How does that work? >> We're going to take it. So, let this is how it'll work. >> We could I mean, you're right. We could say that um you you did do it >> or you did have it on your phone. >> Yeah. Well, so let's say we see a download. >> The date is, let's say, just throwing out a date. It's not necessarily the date. Let's say it's January blah blah blah. >> Of 2020, >> erased a few days later. >> Mhm. >> Oh, shoot. It's on there. >> Mhm. >> No other downloads. >> Mhm. >> After that, I have to believe your story. >> Yeah. >> Cuz it it matches to what you're telling me >> that matches. So, we'll take your forensics and compare it to what you what you're saying here. >> Cuz I'm not here to say what you're telling me isn't the truth. >> There's no way for me to do that cuz I wasn't there at your house. I didn't see that to go on. And so, if it's this one snapshot >> deal and then there's a race right after, >> like right after, I'm going to I'll go forward to my prosecutors and be like, "This is what he told me. This is what the Francie joke. >> Mhm. >> That it it it it confirms his story, >> right? >> It confirms what he told me. >> Mhm. >> Probably nothing happens. >> Cuz I have to believe what you're telling me. >> Now, we're also going to look at was there adult >> mixed in with this child. If that also confirms your story, okay, it was I it got mixed in with the rest of it. I was drunk. Didn't know what it is. Oh, okay. and it might have got in there. Okay, we're going to look at the totality of everything, compare it to with this interview, what you told me today, >> and then that's where we go from there. >> Yeah, I I I do have a problem. I get drunk a lot. >> Okay, I understand that. And you know, and I know in this >> in the letter in the eyes of law, >> being being inebriated isn't isn't a valid. >> No, I know. I know. >> Um but um it's going to be a process. I'm not going to tell you that it's going to be forensics. >> See what we got. Let's see what happened. >> Is it does it does it coincide with the ne to the national cent's missing exploit children cyber tips? >> Mhm. >> You know, um I mean there was a lot there was 141. >> Yeah. >> These images and and these GIFs, these little snippet of videos that are child >> very young. >> So we're going to look at that, too. >> Okay. Okay. Due to the fact of how young they were. >> Mhm. >> Okay. I'm going to try to be upfront with you. Like I said, I'm a straight shooter, Drew. Um with you. >> Yeah. Um you know, none of them are under or over 10. >> I mean, some of them So, even out there there's these um what what we call child um identified victims. >> Mhm. So somewhere in somewhere, not necessarily in the United States, but around the world, a law enforcement person met with the girl or boy or whatever in in that in that video or in that image and identified that as a this is their age. >> So it's identified child. Out of those 141 50 plus of them were identified. So, so the you know, so we're going to look at the totality of everything, >> right? >> Just, hey, this is what he told us. This is what forensics showed us. And again, it ultimately it's going to be up to our prosecutor >> what they want to do. >> No, I get it. >> I do have a question. Yes, sir. Um, I was speaking with the lieutenant outside. You do have a work laptop. >> It's not the office. It's at the office. Do you have a password for that work laptop? >> I can write it down for you. Okay. >> Yeah. It's blaze narrow 244 exclamation point. So again, like I said, we will uh um whatever happens on that side, we have no control. What we have control over is what happens on our side. Again, it's going to go to prosecutions. This is what we have. This is what was told to us. They'll look at it. They'll look at the statement. They'll look at this video of this interview. They'll look at everything in totality and then then we'll move forward from that. Okay. All right. So, before we get too far, I'm going to give I'm also going to leave you um with a copy. So, there will be a copy of this search warrant and what was taken from the house >> at the house. You know, it's called the return to inventory. >> We're going to do one here for that also. >> Okay. Here's the search warrant for your cell phone and anything on your on your on your person. And it's pretty much everything I told you. What we're also required to give you a call. So there's a thing called ECPA. >> Yeah. >> That we all have to deal with that goes along with that. That's that's just telling you, hey, I served you this warrant and that you've been notified basically and then I'll give you what's uh I'll I'll go meet with our forensic exam has your phones. I'll write down all the particulars and then I will also give you a copy of uh the return to inventory. Hey Je, [Music] [Music] can you get from Angelo that makes models and serial numbers of those phones so I can do a return inventory and give you a serial what I took from you type deal. >> Do you have any questions for me? No. So, I think I pretty much have explained. You guys can't take that out and ask here. So, you guys can download everything off that phone. Everything I get back. So, I have a phone. So, that phone will be We can't give you the phone back until it's cleared. Now, if we if he downloads, we go through the phone. Nothing on it. Let's let's say even in so electronics basically goes in ones and zeros. >> So there's this space called unallocated space. So when you delete something goes to what's called unallocated space. >> Um and so once we go through that and we find >> there's nothing on the phone. >> Yeah. >> Let's say zero. Not even any of your past deleted stuff. Let's say >> well I mean we already know there's going to be deleted stuff. So, so once that's done, >> it you can't go in and you can't take >> that stuff out and then turn around and give you the stuff we don't want to take out. It is almost impossible because that stuff does um reside an unallocated space. You can't take it out. >> Well, so to turn the phone back over, it would still be an unallocated space. So, us liabilitywise, it would be like us turning over. No, I don't. >> Um, back over to you. We can't do that. >> Well, no, my personal, so I just need to go get another phone. >> Yes. Okay. >> Strand cooperated fully, providing keys to his home gate and safe along with passwords for his personal and work phones and even his work laptop to avoid damage during the search. According to the fourth US Constitutional Amendment, a valid search warrant must describe the place to be searched and the items to be seized with particularity. He insisted there was nothing to find, claiming transparency by allowing investigators to search his property thoroughly. Gibson appreciated Strand's cooperation, noting it aligned with what colleagues predicted about his demeanor. However, the agent remained focused on the evidence, ensuring all devices, including Strand's truck and potential thumb drives, would be examined to rule out additional hidden materials. My one is a shepherd and the other is a a nice. >> Yeah. Oh yeah. >> Well, I saw the shepherd. >> They're they're nice. Um >> but as long as they're on that side of the fence, we'll be fine. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Yeah, if you want. And I'm not being arrested. I can take them to my mom's or grandparents or some place if you want them out of there. >> I I'll wait and see if if they can stay on that side. We'll just leave them on that side. No reason cuz there's no doesn't look like there's any buildings on that side that we have to really be concerned about, right? >> No. >> Okay. So, if there's nothing there's nothing there, >> then we don't need to go in and bother them. Generally, we leave when we go to houses that have dogs, if they're occupying a space that doesn't have to worry about anything that's hiding something or whatever, um we don't disturb them. Just don't I mean, yeah, they're going to bark, but but we know you're you're a police officer. Uh you know, you get you get used to barking dogs. And >> if you want their names, I can write it down. Just tell and they'll be >> No, they'll be fine. >> Okay. >> We're not going in crazy. >> No, I know. >> So, how long do I need to wait? Do you guys think before I go back home? >> Um, once we're done here and and giving you you're free to and once you're >> Well, I want to go over there. I can go over there, but I don't want to go over there and interfere with you guys. >> Yeah, you Well, yeah, we we can't have that either. So, >> um >> I just think a few hours. >> Can I grab my truck? You guys can search through the whole truck. I don't >> And it probably been searched through. Is it That's the white one that's inside the property. Yeah. So that would have probably have already been >> Okay. >> We when we can text them let them know if they can clear the truck. >> Yeah. >> You'll see there's not a lot there in the house. It's pretty empty. [Music] You said something that there might have be a a laptop that doesn't work anymore. I don't know if if it's still there or if I got rid of it or >> Okay, >> that's I'm trying to be, you know, honest with you guys on everything. So, I don't I think it's unlocked. >> If it's not, the key should be hanging up right when you walk in the house. There should be a little key. Oh yes. I'll sign this one to you and make a copy of that. Gibson clarified that Strand would not be arrested immediately pending forensic analysis, but would be placed on administrative leave by the sheriff's department. According to the fifth US Constitution, due process requires fair notice and opportunity to be heard before deprivation of liberty or property. The agent explained that if the forensics corroborated Strand's story of deleting the material shortly after downloading, it could support his defense. However, the severity of the 141 images, including identified victims, meant prosecutors would decide the next steps based on the totality of evidence. Strand was informed that his phone was unlikely to be returned due to the presence of illicit material in unallocated space, forcing him to consider purchasing a new device. I close that just to this is just for we want to make sure you get all the forms that we use just so there's no before turning back over to your supervisors or whatever. Um, is there any any questions you have for us? >> No. Um, you guys are going to let me know everything. >> Yes. >> Yes. I mean, if you know, like I said, if we clear something that we took, we'll definitely get back with you to let you know that we that we cleared it, you you could have it back or or or whatever. So, um, I'm just going to assume I'm probably not getting my phone back. >> That's your your personal one. Probably not. if that deleted stuff is still still like I said in the u in the unallocated space just cuz we just can't there's no physical way >> other than just wiping the entire just zeroing it out >> all data out and it's just it's a worthless >> it' be easier just to go by now cool that's what I would need to know >> yeah Um, guess we're down here. We're going to go look in in in your in your unit to make sure there's no electronics there. >> Again, that looks totally separate from this here. This search war, this search war here was just for your person. What electronic items you carried on your person? You don't have any thumb drives or anything like that on you? >> No. Okay. >> No, I mean, you can you can do whatever >> if you would mind just so I can clear it cuz you know, prosecutors may ask, "Hey, did he have anything on him? any Can you uh Is that your wallet? Can you open your wallet for me? Okay. Just to make sure there's nothing in there. We'll do whatever. I just want to make sure cuz as you know, um there's no thumb drives. >> Thumb drives and SD cards can be hidden super super. >> And I do appreciate you. >> I'm being honest. and coming in talking to us. I mean, it just it sucks cuz no matter if it gets cleared or if it doesn't get cleared, then this is going to Yeah, that's what sucks. All right, sir. We'll totally end that for sure. Huh? >> Yeah. Heat. Heat. We'll let you know about the uh information as far as if there's anything located if we need to go further. Okay. We don't we don't you guys permission to search for it is at your disposal. No heat. Heat. Heat. Okay. Okay. You got the vehicle keys? You have the vehicle keys? I do. This is too quick. >> Following the interrogation, officer Robert Strand is arrested on serious charges related to illegal content involving minors and their exploitation as announced by special agent Ozo under New Mexico statutes section 30-6A-3 possession of such content is a thirdderee felony justifying the arrest. The arresting officer, prioritizing discretion, takes him to the parking lot, cuffs Strand, and removes his holster to minimize public attention. Strand is directed to place his paperwork on a tailgate and relax as he's guided to a vehicle. He expresses concern for his dogs and the team assures him that his wife Sherry Strand will be notified to care for them. >> Sir, can you do me a favor? Sit your paperwork on the tailgate right there. Go ahead and place your hands behind your back for me. Go ahead and relax your legs. Okay. Think we're going to walk you this way. >> Go ahead and have a seat real fast. We have you out of the light. Okay. >> Cool. >> You got to see you guys searching, correct? >> I just want him in the car quickly cuz I don't want to make a big scene here. >> Uh when I get him over there, I'll get him into a place where when I transfer the wheel, we'll search him better. Okay. Um, but I just don't want this out for you guys. >> Okay. All right. We're going to get out of the way. Thank you. >> Strand is informed that the Rio Rancho Police Department will handle his transport and detention. The arresting officer notes that a forensic unit is executing a search warrant at Strand's residence, which will be secured upon completion. Strand inquires if evidence was found in a deleted section, but the officer, unfamiliar with forensic details, cannot provide answers. The process moves forward with the officer awaiting prosecutor approval and a judge's signature on Strand's arrest warrant. Upon reaching the checkpoint, they awaited the arrival of the Rio Rancho police, who then transported Strand to their station. >> Okay. So, I didn't search you. >> No, go ahead. >> Um, no. I'm not going to do it now. Wait till Rio gets here. I'm going to advise them and then we're going to do a search. I just didn't want you there. >> Okay. Um, I don't like to do that with anyone. I like to get them out of the limelight over here. I think we'll be okay. >> Do you have anything on you that you need to leave here? >> I don't think so. >> I know you had a holster for bags or whatever. >> Bolsters? Yeah, you can take them off. >> Well, no. I mean, it's they're covered. I don't care. So, all right, sir. Go ahead and give me the name. It's going to be Sherry. Sherry Strand SD. >> Okay. Um, is there anything that she needs to know other than just take the dogs? Take the dogs. Okay. As soon as they're completed, the residence with the search warrant, I'll let her know and we'll get that handled for you. >> So, I know you probably can't tell me what happened. Was it I was telling you there was in the deleted section. >> Uh sir, I don't see I'm not that guy. >> Okay. >> Um so >> I know there was nothing. >> Yeah, I don't I don't deal with the forensics. I'm unaware of how that operates. I mean I have a very very small um IQ when it comes to that, but I'm sure that uh special agent Py will be able to answer some questions for you. Absolutely. I wish I did, but I do not. You're fine. >> If you get too hot, let me know and I'll move over and open that door so you get at least this kind of [ __ ] >> You're fine. >> So, what happens from there? >> Uh, they'll go ahead and finish processing all the scenes. >> Um, we're going to turn you over to Rio Rancho Police Department for transport and detention. >> Okay. >> And, uh, >> is it going to be this jail here or Santa Fe? Do you know, >> sir? I don't I I'm unaware of how Yeah, I'm unaware of how Rim Rancho deals with these types of detentions. I'm I I don't know. >> Um but I'm sure you know we'll advise them um of who you are >> and uh so that'll be taken into consideration of course. >> Really wish you guys, you know, cuz Leo knows me just as well. >> The >> that's what's Yeah. about that is >> we we've made it a policy we utilize New Mexico State Police or local jurisdictional officers to transport for us. So, um that's kind of how we run the process with you. It can't. Yeah. I just want to make sure we look and make sure there's nothing in there we need to know about. Okay. >> I don't know if they want his keys. I can take the cuff key off or I can just keep them all. Your call. >> Okay. Go ahead and take your shoes off. All right, let's go. Check it out. >> Despite Strand's indictment on charges following his May 25th, 2022 arrest, the case's outcome remains uncertain with no public record of the final resolution. The Sixth Amendment guarantees a speedy and public trial. Yet, the lack of updates leaves questions about justice in this case. Strand's position as a deputy since 2014, coupled with his prior DWI charges in 2006 and 2012, paints a troubling picture of a law enforcement officer entangled in serious criminal allegations. The interrogation exposed a flawed individual, but without a clear conclusion, the case underscores the challenges of holding those in power accountable. Viewers are left to ponder what became of Robert Strand with an open call for any new information to shed light on this disturbing saga. As of July 11th, 2025, there are no publicly available updates on the case beyond December 2023 when it was listed as one of the most viewed crime stories by the Rio Rancho Observer mentioning a docket call hearing scheduled for January 18th, 2024. No information on the hearings outcome or further proceedings has been found, suggesting the case may still be ongoing or details are not publicly accessible. Subscribe for more police cam stories. Watch the next recommended video.