Former Crimestoppers Director Charged with Embezzlement

Carlee Hooper (Courtesy: San Juan Co. Sheriff's Office)

The former Executive Director, Carlee Hooper, turned herself in today on a 4th degree Felony Warrant for Embezzlement and a 4th degree Felony Warrant for Tampering with Evidence.

From the San Juan Co. Sheriff's Office:

In recent weeks, the San Juan County Crime Stoppers Board of Directors approached our Detectives Division for assistance with discrepancies in their financial statements. During the investigation, bank statements and financial statements were acquired for a two-and-a-half-year period. Detectives have located over $2300.00 in unreported charges made by the Executive Director, including personal purchases and ATM cash withdraws. The former Executive Director, Carlee Hooper, turned herself in today on a 4th degree Felony Warrant for Embezzlement and a 4th degree Felony Warrant for Tampering with Evidence.

 

The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office reached out to Judge Richard W. Carter (Ret.), Director of Legal Services with Crime Stoppers USA, and he stated the following:

 

"Over the approximately forty-two (42) years of success with the Crime Stoppers program, there have unfortunately been occasions where the Crime Stoppers charity itself has been the victim of crimes such as theft and embezzlement.  In those situations, it is important for the public to know that changes will be made to make Crime Stoppers less vulnerable to crimes; that no one who works with Crime Stoppers is above the law; and that Crime Stoppers ask that no mercy be extended to any criminal defendant who preys upon charities which depend upon citizen volunteers and charitable dollars.  Lastly, you CAN trust that information Crime Stoppers receives is protected and our promises of anonymity will be kept." 

 

More from Local News

  • 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.

  • Durango Begins Water Restrictions

    Irrigation for lawns accounts for 70% of Durango’s water usage, so outdoor landscape will be limited to three days a week between the hours of 7 p.m. and 9 a.m. for both residential and commercial users. Odd-numbered addresses are restricted to watering on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Even-numbered addresses are restricted to watering on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Outdoor landscape irrigation is prohibited during all hours on Wednesdays.

  • Police ID Suspect and Officers involved in Hines Rd. Shooting

    Upon arrival, officers observed a male and female walking who matched the provided descriptions. Officers gave commands for Leon Quintana (27) to place his hands on his head and walk backward toward them. During the encounter, Mr. Quintana hesitated and shifted his movements while officers continued giving commands. He then produced a firearm and fired a shot toward officers, striking an officer’s patrol car. A second shot was also fired.

  • 2024 Election: San Juan County Contested Races

    These are the unofficial election results from voting on Tuesday, November 5, 2024 of the contested races in San Juan County, NM.

On KSJE Now:

KSJE Radio App

Get the KSJE Radio App

  • Available on the App Store
  • Available on Google Play

Today's Weather

  • Farmington, NM

    Sunny intervals

    High: 93°F | Low: 55°F

  • Durango, CO

    Sunny intervals

    High: 88°F | Low: 46°F

  • Shiprock, NM

    Sunny intervals

    High: 99°F | Low: 57°F

  • Cortez, CO

    Sunny intervals

    High: 93°F | Low: 55°F

  • Santa Fe, NM

    Thunder storm

    High: 82°F | Low: 57°F