Due to the injuries not being consistent with the suspects report, an investigation into the incident was initiated. Detectives executed search warrants on the suspect’s residence and along with Children Youth and Families, conducted interviews with other children who had previously been placed in the suspects care. As a result of this investigation, Hope Graciano was booked for Abuse of a Child Great Bodily Harm, two counts of Abuse of a Child and Intimidation of a Witness.
From Farmington Police:
On October 23, 2017, Farmington Police Detectives arrested Hope Graciano, 53 of Farmington, on charges of Abuse of a Child Great Bodily Harm, two counts of Abuse of a Child and Intimidation of a Witness. This arrest stems from the following investigation:
On September 25, 2017, the 11 year old victim in this case was brought to San Juan Regional Medical Center by their treatment foster mom, Hope Graciano. Hope said the victim had fallen while practicing soccer dives. The injuries were deemed to be serious, resulting in the victim being flown to UNM Children’s Hospital for treatment. Due to the injuries not being consistent with the suspects report, an investigation into the incident was initiated. Detectives executed search warrants on the suspect’s residence and along with Children Youth and Families, conducted interviews with other children who had previously been placed in the suspects care. As a result of this investigation, Hope Graciano was booked for Abuse of a Child Great Bodily Harm, two counts of Abuse of a Child and Intimidation of a Witness.
If anyone has further information about this crime, they are asked to contact Detective Chris Blea at (505) 599-1005 or if they wish to remain anonymous, the can call the San Juan County Crime Stoppers Tipline at (505) 334 TIPS (8477).
For 15 years, Lauren Laws has dedicated her career to Aztec Schools, beginning as a Special Education teacher in 2008. In 2010 she transitioned to General Education, where she spent six years in the classroom working with 4th and 5th graders at Park Avenue Elementary while completing work on her Master's Degree. During her tenure at Park Avenue Elementary, she also served a Lead Teacher, Assistant Principal, and Principal. Lauren has spent the past three years serving as the Associate Superintendent of Teaching and Learning for the district.
Brice Current was a former narcotics agent with the San Juan County Sheriff's Office in Aztec, NM. He was hired as Durango's Deputy Police Chief in 2019.
Crews arrived to find a camp trailer on fire and one occupant still inside. Another occupant was transported to the hospital with minor injuries and has since been released. Despite a quick response from fire crews, one occupant was found dead in the trailer after the fire was extinguished.
The name of the deceased is not yet released.
The FMS Board of Education authorized school security personnel to carry firearms on school premises during their January 9, 2024, meeting. The move paved the way for the hiring of Armed Campus Safety Monitors (ACSMs), former certified law enforcement officers tasked with providing an additional layer of protection for students and staff during emergencies.
Farmington Officials gathered with representatives from the NM Department of Transportation and San Juan County to break ground on the long-anticipated Pinon Hills Boulevard Extension Project. San Juan County announced that design work on their section of the project is 90% completed.
Kevin Summers will be returning to the Bloomfield School District as Superintendent, after the retirement of Dr. Kim Mizell at the end of the current school year. Summers' hire makes an opening in the Superintendent's Office in Aztec where he has served for the past three years.