LAS CRUCES – Two Las Cruces women have been arrested and charged with felonies after police say they knowingly allowed a teenage runaway to live in their home for several months while telling investigators they did not know where he was.
Crystal J. Buster, 49, faces two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor and two counts of child abuse. Kim Renee Stevenson, 68, is charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor and two counts of failing to report child abuse or neglect.
The investigation began in July 2025 when Las Cruces police received a report that a 15-year-old boy had run away from home. Police followed several leads and publicized the missing juvenile on social media but were unable to locate him for more than a year.
Investigators eventually learned the boy might be associated with Buster’s 15-year-old daughter. Police interviewed Buster, Stevenson and the girl, but police say they denied knowing the boy’s whereabouts and claimed they had not seen him in several months.
Investigators later developed evidence indicating the missing teenager was living with the girl at Buster’s and Stevenson’s residence. Police also determined the boy was not attending school during that time.
On Sept. 11, Las Cruces police executed a search warrant at the residence and found the boy hiding in a closet. He was taken into custody and issued a Class III Juvenile Citation.
Buster and Stevenson were also taken into custody and subsequently arrested.
Following additional investigation, Buster’s 21-year-old adult daughter and her 19-year-old boyfriend, who also live at the residence, were each charged with two misdemeanor counts of failing to report child abuse or neglect. Their names were not provided in the police release.
Las Cruces police remind residents that intentionally harboring a runaway or missing juvenile is illegal. Anyone who knows or suspects that someone is harboring a runaway is asked to contact Las Cruces police at (575) 526-0795.
All persons charged with crimes are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
John Krehbiel – Bravo Mic Communications News, LLC – John@Bravomic.com
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