Former Theater Employee Charged with Felonies

Las Cruces police have arrested the former venue manager of the Rio Grande Theatre who allegedly gave alcohol to a 19-year-old woman and sexually assaulted a 17-year-old girl.

Christopher Lininger, 33, was arrested Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026, and is charged with one second-degree felony count of criminal sexual penetration of a minor and a fourth-degree felony count of giving or selling alcoholic beverages to an underage person.

Lininger is no longer employed by the City of Las Cruces. He was hired as a contract employee in August 2017 and became a regular employee and venue manager in February 2023. He has not been in the office since Oct. 8 and his employment with the City was terminated on Oct. 29, 2026.

Investigators are unaware of any other victims. Anyone who has additional information is encouraged to call police at (575) 526-0795 and ask to speak with a detective.