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As of Monday, May 5, 2025, Melvin Cordell, 50, and Valerie Cordell, 41, have entered "not guilty" pleas following a monthslong investigation into allegations of child abuse and sex crimes involving eight children inside of their household in Deming, New Mexico. In October 2024, New Mexico State Police began to investigate the case after a report was made to the Children's Youth and Families Department.

Initially, NMSP was made aware of the report to the Roswell Police Department after a 16-year-old alerted the Youth Challenge Academy in Roswell about the alleged sexual and physical abuse she and her siblings endured. The teenager stated to investigators that she and her siblings starved as a form of punishment. According to court documents, others from "outside of their home would also come in to participate in the acts."

Court documents allege the couple forced the children to live in 4 to 6 feet deep "underground manmade tunnels" and "caves" made of mud on 35-acre property. The ages of children range from 6 months to 16 years old. Investigators described the property as a "city trash landfill." On Monday, KOAT paid a visit to their home. Neighbors spoke with KOAT following the aftermath.

"I just couldn't believe it. It was weird. Just seeing them around and knowing that happened. It was odd. They seemed like a tight-knit family. They were always together. They seemed like a normal family," Coredell's neighbor, Abraham Hedecdk, told KOAT.

Troy Reynolds told KOAT he witnessed the alleged abuse first-hand. Though he sensed something was not right over the years, Reynolds stated he was not surprised when the news came to light regarding the allegations.

"There's a building in the backroom, backyard. The kids had to stay back there and sleep, and it was wintertime — cold," Reynolds told KOAT.

According to court documents, the couple exposed the children to "extreme weather of every season (Summer and Winter), human feces, animal disturbances, human diseases, lack of showers for long periods of time, self-cleanliness and open surroundings with no means of safety from outside human disturbances."

Melvin Cordell Charges

Valerie Cordell Charges

Children's Youth & Families Department Statement

"While we are unable to comment on the specifics of this case, the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) remains firmly committed to the safety and well-being of children and youth.

According to court documents, the children are in CYFD custody. The couple is currently being held without bond at the Luna County Detention Center.

This is a developing story. Stay updated on the latest news updates with the KOAT app. Download here .