ALBUQUERQUE — Federal authorities have joined the search for a retired U.S. Air Force major general who was reported missing in Bernalillo County, prompting an expanding investigation involving local, state, and federal agencies.
The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the FBI is now assisting in the search for retired Maj. Gen. William Cooley, a former commander at Kirtland Air Force Base who was reported missing earlier this week. Authorities said the involvement of federal investigators reflects both Cooley’s background and the seriousness of the case.
Cooley, who previously led the Air Force Research Laboratory headquartered at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, was last seen in the Albuquerque area. Law enforcement officials said details about the circumstances surrounding his disappearance remain limited as the investigation continues.
The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office said deputies are coordinating search efforts and gathering information about Cooley’s movements before he went missing. Authorities have not publicly released a timeline of when he was last seen or where investigators are concentrating their search.
Sheriff’s officials said they requested assistance from federal authorities due to Cooley’s prior role as a senior military officer and the potential complexity of the investigation. The FBI confirmed it is supporting the search but has not provided additional details about its role.
“We are working closely with our partners and following all available leads,” officials said as the investigation continues.
Cooley served more than three decades in the Air Force and held several leadership positions during his career. As commander of the Air Force Research Laboratory from 2017 to 2020, he oversaw a global network of scientists and engineers working on advanced military technologies.
The laboratory, headquartered at Kirtland Air Force Base, is one of the Air Force’s primary research organizations and plays a significant role in national defense innovation. The base is also one of Albuquerque’s largest employers and a major hub for defense-related research.
Cooley later became the first Air Force general officer to face a court-martial. In 2022, a military judge convicted him of abusive sexual contact involving a civilian woman during a 2018 conference in Albuquerque. He was sentenced to forfeiture of pay and a reprimand.
Despite that case, Cooley remained a prominent figure in the Air Force’s research community because of his long career and leadership roles.
Local authorities said the investigation into his disappearance is ongoing and that search teams are continuing to gather information. Officials have asked anyone with information about Cooley’s whereabouts to contact the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office.
Law enforcement agencies said they are coordinating across jurisdictions as the search continues.
“This remains an active investigation,” officials said. “Anyone who may have seen him or has information that could assist investigators is encouraged to come forward.”
Authorities have not said whether foul play is suspected.
The search remains ongoing as investigators work to determine the circumstances surrounding the retired general’s disappearance.
