Can my employer charge me for lost equipment?

Depends. Contact your local labor board.

If you're in New Mexico, I'm pretty sure they can only make payroll deductions if you give written permission. At least, that was the case a decade ago. That doesn't mean they can't terminate your employment. They might also be able and willing to file a lawsuit.

Check your contract, did you have to sign any specific paperwork when you took out said equipment? If so check that.

I doubt that will do much good, such organisations are woefully underfunded and usually don't take action unless it's something that affects a lot of people the best you're likely to get is a strongly worded letter.

Possession is 9/10 of the law, they control your wages and I doubt very much that a lawyer would take on such a case because it's just not worth it.

Join a trade union, they're the only ones who might actually be able to help.

There is a good chance (assuming you are in the US) that you are protected. There is absolutely nothing wrong with asking for legal advice. The laws vary from state to state. This internet forum is a very bad place to seek legal advice.

Of course it depends on how much money we are talking about... spending $200 in legal fees to fight for $10 doesn't make very much sense. If you are talking about $5000, then I would fight.

I would do the following.

1. If you have a union, talk to them first.
2. Call the State... they might be able to give you information. They might not, but it doesn't hurt to try.
3. Call a lawyer. You might have to pay a lawyer a little bit to get real information. Most lawyers will meet with you for around $100... then they will give you all the information you need. If you meet with a lawyer for free you will likely get nothing more than a sales pitch.

Good luck.