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).
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.