Carlton Snyder, 65 (Courtesy: San Juan County Sheriff's Office)
On August 2, 2019 detectives executed a search warrant for the residence of Carlton Snyder and seized four cell phones, three tablets, two hard drives, two thumb drives, a digital camera, and three desk top computers.
From the San Juan County Sheriff's Office:
Tuesday, August 13, 2019
On August 9, 2019 a deputy with the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office assigned to the US Marshals Task Force, arrested 65-year-old, Carlton Snyder on the charge of sexual exploitation of children (possession, a 4th degree felony) after receiving a tip that led to an investigation. On August 2, 2019 detectives executed a search warrant for the residence of Snyder and seized four cell phones, three tablets, two hard drives, two thumb drives, a digital camera, and three desk top computers. A few days later, detectives performed a forensic examination of several collected items from the search warrant and located at least seven, sexual images containing young girls that appeared to be under the age of 12.
The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office will continue to be aggressive in its approach to locate and arrest child predators in our community. If you are worried your child was a victim of sexual abuse, please contact dispatch at 505-334-6622 and ask to speak with a Detective. The public is also encouraged to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678)
The governor’s visit was carefully scheduled to give first responders, law enforcement and emergency vehicles ample time to complete rescues and other emergency work during the flooding. Now that the floodwaters are receding and initial damage assessments are underway, the Governor will survey the disaster zone and work to get families the help they need.
Bloomfield Residents and businesses: please minimize water use until further notice. Postpone laundry and dishwasher use, keep showers brief, and reduce toilet flushing when practical and sanitary. Every reduction helps limit wastewater entering the river.
The district has worked with the Lower Valley Water Users Association on the testing needed to lift the boil water notice. Because of the number of tests required, the district has decided to keep students on remote learning as a precaution for their well-being. If test results come back early, the district must still follow processes and protocols to flush and clear the water lines at each school before in-person instruction can resume. Safety is our top priority for the well-being of our Kirtland students.
Water Samples taken from the Lower Valley Water Association system have tested negative for e-coli. The Boil Water notice has been lifted for customers.
Through the course of the investigation, detectives discovered that Lauren Patterson’s husband, Jess Patterson, had previously resided in California and had been arrested at least 6 times for domestic violence in that state and had been arrested in July 2026 in New Mexico for battering Ms. Patterson. An autopsy revealed Ms. Patterson suffered multiple broken bones, bruising, and internal injuries.