Couple Arrested for Car Theft, Breaking & Entering

Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at 8:30 PM

From the San Juan County Sheriff's Office:

On Monday, January 8^th 2018, a resident in Crouch Mesa was letting her Jeep warm up outside of her home around 4:45am, when the vehicle was stolen from the driveway. Later that day, the Jeep was recovered in Kirtland and a male and female suspect were identified as Cassandra Morales and Alberto Lopez of Arizona. Both suspects confessed to stealing the Jeep and breaking into a separate residence on CR 3320.

When Detectives questioned Morales and Lopez about the stolen vehicle, they stated they didn’t have anywhere to stay, so they broke into a house to stay warm. The house they broke into was also freezing so they left and came across the running Jeep and decided to take it. The stolen jeep was abandoned soon after Farmington PD located it driving in Farmington and followed it to Kirtland, where they eventually lost sight of it. The suspects got scared and left the vehicle in a driveway that was well hidden and took off on foot. The two suspects contacted a nearby homeowner and asked for a ride into town; he agreed and dropped them off in Farmington. After some investigating, Detectives contacted the individual that gave the suspect a ride into town and were able to establish a possible location and description of the suspects. Detectives Fincher and Nyce found the couple sitting in front of the Salvation Army in Farmington, where they were taken to the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office for questioning and later booked into the San Juan County Adult Detention Center.

Sheriff’s Deputies recovered a separate stolen vehicle out of Arizona on January 15^th, which was found near the house that was broken into in Crouch Mesa on January 8^th. Based off the evidence found in the vehicle, along with surveillance footage it is believed the two individuals are involved in both cases. This case is still under investigation and both suspects could be facing additional charges soon.

More from Local News

Suspect Sought in July 4th Fatal Shooting

Deputies responded to reports of a shooting and located 18-year-old Elihue Vialpando, who had sustained fatal gunshot wounds. A second victim, Jack Chavez, suffered a gunshot wound to his leg and was transported to San Juan Regional Medical Center for treatment. Witness statements revealed Vialpando brandished a pistol and fired rounds earlier in the night, but based on the timeline of events and witness statements, did not support actions by Thomas Vigil.
Authorities Search for DWI Treatment Center Escapee

The suspect escaped during Sunday afternoon church services. He asked to go to the bathroom and never returned, immediately initiating a count and search of the facility. This is the first escape in the 31-year history of the jail-based treatment center.
Farmington Man Sentenced on Child Porn Conviction

Earlier this week, Jacob Marriott was sentenced after pleading guilty to 4 counts of Manufacturing of Child Pornography (2nd Degree Felony), 1 count of Possession of Child Pornography (4th Degree Felony), and 2 counts of Voyeurism of a Child Under 18 (3rd Degree Felony).
Colorado Business Expands in Farmington

NM-backed expansion expected to generate more than $22 million economic impact
2026 NM Primary Local (Unofficial) Results

We'll be updating this page with results throughout the evening on Tuesday, June 2, 2026: These are the unofficial results of the contested NM Primary races in San Juan County on June 2, 2026:
Remainder of Piñon Hills Blvd. Extension Fully Funded

Phase III of the $30 million project includes $27 million in state funds and $3 million in matching funds from San Juan County to fully fund and complete the project by 2029.