This Dec. 10, 2015 photo provided by the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center shows Albuquerque Police Officers Association President Stephanie Lopez after she was arrested on charges of child abuse. Lopez, who has been a critic of federally-ordered reforms of her police department, is facing child abuse and bribery charges after authorities say she repeatedly beat a teenage relative. (Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center via AP)
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) – The president of the Albuquerque police union has pleaded not guilty to charges of child abuse and intimidation of a witness.
The Albuquerque Journal reports Officer Stephanie Lopez made her first court appearance on Saturday.
She was arrested Thursday after authorities say she repeatedly struck a teenage relative during a dispute over a utility notice.
She was released from jail upon posting a $5,000 cash-only bond.
A criminal complaint filed by a Bernalillo County sheriff's deputy said the teen reported the abuse to a school official, who contacted authorities.
Lopez, who is 40, has been ordered not to possess a firearm or contact the teenager in the case.
She went on leave Friday from the police department and as president of the Albuquerque Police Officers Association.
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