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A Cubero-area man in Cibola County, New Mexico is facing multiple felony charges related to child sexual abuse and exploitation after an investigation that started with a tip from an online predator-hunting group. Floyd Anthony Ethridge was arrested on April 2 and is accused of crimes including criminal sexual penetration of a minor, criminal sexual contact of a minor, and sexual exploitation of children.
Why it matters
The case highlights the role of online predator-hunting groups in alerting authorities to potential crimes, as well as the challenges law enforcement faces in building a strong case for prosecution. It also raises questions about the timeline between the initial tip and Ethridge’s eventual arrest.
The details
According to authorities, the Cibola County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at Ethridge’s residence off Water Canyon Road in Cubero on April 2 and took him into custody. The FBI assisted in the operation. Ethridge is facing charges including first-degree criminal sexual penetration of a child under 13, second-degree criminal sexual contact of a minor, and multiple counts of child sexual exploitation. A related district court case was filed on April 6, but prosecutors say the alleged crimes date back to May 2024.
- The Cibola County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant and arrested Ethridge on April 2, 2026.
- The related district court case was filed on April 6, 2026.
- The alleged crimes are said to have occurred since May 2024.
The players
Floyd Anthony Ethridge
A Cubero-area man facing multiple felony charges related to child sexual abuse and exploitation.
Cibola County Sheriff’s Office
The law enforcement agency that executed the search warrant and made the arrest.
FBI
The federal agency that assisted the Cibola County Sheriff’s Office in the investigation.
Predator Poachers
An online group that publicly confronts suspected child predators and provided the initial tip to authorities.
13th Judicial District Attorney Barbara Romo
The district attorney overseeing the prosecution of the case.
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What they’re saying
“That’s not what happened. We advised law enforcement to conduct its own investigation, seek warrants for the phone and collect evidence that could support charges in court.”
— Jessica Martinez, Spokesperson for 13th Judicial District Attorney Barbara Romo
What’s next
A preliminary hearing and pretrial detention hearing for Ethridge is scheduled for April 20 at 9 a.m. in Grants District Court.
The takeaway
This case highlights the important role of online predator-hunting groups in alerting authorities to potential crimes, as well as the challenges law enforcement faces in building a strong case for prosecution. It also raises questions about the timeline between the initial tip and the eventual arrest.
