The Hobbs Forensic Laboratory, operated by the New Mexico Department of Public Safety, plays a key role in supporting criminal investigations in southeastern New Mexico. The team, consisting of four members—Sarah Walterscheid, Rebecca Morley, Angel Rivas, and Azucena Hartley—processes about 90 cases per month. Their work involves analyzing controlled substances for law enforcement and judicial partners.
Forensic Scientist Supervisor Sarah Walterscheid described their contribution as "one piece of the puzzle" within the broader criminal justice system. She said, "We enjoy working quietly here together, serving the public. We’re analyzing evidence and providing objective results."
Walterscheid noted that while the team is small, it is cohesive. Both she and Evidence Technician Rebecca Morley previously worked as Crime Scene Technicians with the Hobbs Police Department before joining the forensic lab.
Walterscheid highlighted her interest in problem-solving: "I like the fact that we help solve one piece of the puzzle that could lead to complete information to solve a case." She added that each case presents new challenges despite similarities among samples: "Even though the samples don’t change a lot, every case is different. I like both the routine and the variability. It’s a nice balance of both."
She explained their process: "Our testing is very detailed, starting with ensuring what we are going to test belongs to the right case. It’s important that evidence is sealed and labeled properly. Then we have to describe what we’re doing and document the entire process." Each step undergoes technical and administrative review.
The laboratory uses two main instrumental techniques for analysis: Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) for mixed substances and Fourier-Transform Infrared (FT-IR) Spectroscopy when chemically appropriate. The lab recently acquired a Gas Chromatography Infrared Detector (GC-IRD), which combines aspects of both methods.
"I’m excited to be able to utilize the GC-IRD option," said Walterscheid, who previously worked in controlled substance analysis for three years at the New York Police Department. "For molecules that have similar fragmentation patterns and very similar molecular weights, the Gas Chromatography Infrared Detector is an excellent option."
Regarding unusual cases handled by their lab, Walterscheid recalled: "The most unusual that comes to mind was these small pyramid-shaped discs that were reported to contain LSD. The lab has also seen prison letters that had drugs absorbed into the paper." Methamphetamine remains the most common drug analyzed at Hobbs Lab, followed by fentanyl and cocaine.
Rebecca Morley commented on her early impressions: "I was kind of shocked about how many forms of drugs there were and that they can put anything in a pill form."
Walterscheid emphasized their commitment: "Our mission is to serve the citizens and communities of the state of New Mexico, and we take that seriously by working well together to provide scientific analysis of forensic evidence."
