The Trinidad Police Department has had its powers effectively stripped after a series of controversial arrests related to its ongoing water issues.

Trinidad Police stripped of power What we know: On Monday, the Henderson County District Attorney's Office and County Attorney's office informed Trinidad that it will no longer take cases from the Trinidad Police Department.

The following letter was sent to Trinidad Police: "This letter notifies you that the offices of the Henderson County District Attorney and Henderson County Attorney will no longer accept cases for prosecution solely investigated or filed by the Trinidad Police Department until further notice. Our offices requested the current TCOLE audit. Sheriff Hillhouse has agreed to dispatch his officers for any crime that occurs within the city limits. Any pending case already filed by the Trinidad Police Department will be reviewed and decided on a case-by-case basis and appropriate disclosures will be made." The letter means anything above a Class C Misdemeanor would involve a sheriff, and not the Trinidad Police Department.