The Las Cruces police detective in charge of investigating the Tai Chan case says she was “denied resources” because she had previously reported sexual misconduct within the Las Cruces Police Department.



In her lawsuit against the city, Irma Palos said she was retaliated against after telling one of her supervisors about Michael Garcia — a now-former LCPD detective who was convicted of raping an intern.



According to court documents, as part of the retaliation against her, she was denied resources to aid in a “high-profile murder investigation,” specifically “the assistance of a forensic investigator.”



News of the pending lawsuit surfaced during a hearing Monday in district court, about five weeks before Chan’s second trial.



According to a spokesperson with the Dona Ana County District Attorney’s Office, they are now considering bringing in an independent investigator to see if Palos’ allegations are true and, if so, what kind of impact that would have on the case.



As NewsChannel 9 previously reported, police say the former Santa Fe County Deputy Tai Chan shot and killed his partner Jeremy Martin at a Las Cruces hotel on Oct. 28, 2014.



Chan was charged with first-degree murder.



However, a jury was unable to come to a unanimous decision and the judge was forced to declare a mistrial.



Chan’s second trial is scheduled for May 8 in Las Cruces.



NewsChannel 9 reached out to LCPD for comment.



A spokesperson said they do not comment on pending litigation.