Former Taos County Undersheriff Gilbert Atencio announced his candidacy for Rio Grande County Sheriff.
Atencio, originally from Monte Vista, retired from the Taos County Sheriff’s Office in 2024 and moved back to the San Luis Valley.
In his announcement, he said that after moving back to Monte Vista, “it was readily apparent, the problems that are plaguing our communities in Rio Grande County. Property crimes and drugs have taken over our sense of feeling safe in our own homes.”
He will run in the Democratic primary on June 30. The general election is Nov. 3. Incumbent Sheriff Anne Robinson is seeking re-election for a second term.
Atencio began his law enforcement career in Wray, CO in 1999, then made the move to Taos County where he worked until 2024. While in the Taos County Sheriff’s Office, Atencio said he had various roles such as dispatcher, detention officer, instructor, accident reconstructionist, commander of the motorcycle team, patrol sergeant and undersheriff.
“I believe there is a way to address these issues by being proactive in our communities and increasing our response times to calls. Property crimes and response times are the people’s most concerning issues in this county,” he said. “I firmly believe that my unique blend of experience and knowledge positions me ideally to drive positive change for the citizens of Rio Grande.”