Camera Conflict At NM Club

Police in Albuquerque, N.M., have launched an investigation into allegations that an officer confiscated a camera and erased footage taken by a reporter who now faces charges for criminal trespassing at a local nightclub.

KOB-TV reporter Cristina Rodda went to Tumbleweeds April 29 on a tip that a rave was being hosted by the club, according to the station. Several patrons were reportedly arrested at the venue for selling ecstasy during a rave earlier this year.

Rodda began filming outside the club and was apparently approached by an employee who asked her to leave.

The reporter walked toward her car in the parking lot. However a police officer working the concert later found Rodda had continued to film from behind a row of cars, according to a criminal complaint.

The police officer allegedly told Rodda she was “trespassing” and asked her to turn over the camera so it could be viewed by the department’s special investigations division. However, when the camera was returned to the station a few days later, footage was deleted, KOB-TV said.

Rodda is scheduled to appear at a hearing later this month.
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