Local man charged with over 40 counts of child sex crimes

Harold Atencio (Courtesy: San Juan Co. Sheriff's Office)

Sheriff’s Detectives received information a few months ago regarding the sexual abuse of a child that is no longer living in our community, but endured the abuse when they lived in Kirtland. After thorough investigating, Detectives were able to locate the suspect and question him about the accusations.

From the San Juan County Sheriff's Office:

Detectives with the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office charged a local resident yesterday with 10 counts of Criminal Sexual Penetration in the 1st degree (child under 13 years of age), 30 counts of Criminal Sexual Contact of a Minor in the 2nd degree (child under 13, unclothed) and one count of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor in the 4th degree.

 

Sheriff’s Detectives received information a few months ago regarding the sexual abuse of a child that is no longer living in our community, but endured the abuse when they lived in Kirtland. After thorough investigating, Detectives were able to locate the suspect and question him about the accusations. Harold Atencio (1963), confessed to the criminal sexual acts in an interview with Sheriff’s Detectives yesterday afternoon and was immediately booked into the San Juan County Adult Detention Center.

More from Local News

  • Navajo Nation agrees (again) to help fund N-36/NM 371 Intersection Improvements

    The agreement authorizes NDOT to transfer $2,790,647 to NMDOT to administer procurement and construction of the NM371/N36 Intersection Improvement Project. This long-needed project will include roadway widening and the installation of a traffic signal and lighting system designed to reduce accidents, improve traffic flow, and enhance overall public safety for residents, school buses, emergency responders, and travelers who rely on this heavily used corridor.

  • Racing Commission Approves SunRay Move to Clovis

    The move will not affect the 2026 racing season in San Juan County.  Live racing is scheduled for April 17 – May 24, 2026. San Juan County has previously said that McGee Park and the San Juan County Fairgrounds would not be impacted by any changes at the casino and horse racing track.

  • *Update* Arrest Made in Child's Death

     The suspect, John Hannon, the child’s father, was arrested on 2/9/26 on unrelated charges. He was served with the following charges while at the San Juan County Adult Detention Center:

  • 90 Dogs Rescued in Bloomfield

    The rescue effort also received substantial financial support, from various donors. This outside support significantly reduced the financial impact on local resources and ensured the operation did not place a major burden on San Juan County taxpayers.

  • Resident Dies after House Fire N. of Aztec

    Crews arrived to find a structure on fire and the occupant inside.  Despite a quick response from fire crews and efforts by San Juan County Sheriff’s Deputies, one occupant was removed from the structure by firefighters and transported to the hospital by San Juan Regional Medical Center EMS. The occupant was pronounced dead at the hospital.

  • Diné College Selects New President

    Dr. Jackson-Dennison, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation (Diné), brings nearly four decades of experience in educational leadership, with a career dedicated to advancing Indigenous sovereignty, self-determination, and academic excellence. Her leadership reflects a unique ability to integrate Indigenous knowledge systems with Western academic frameworks, a hallmark of her scholarship and professional practice.

Today's Weather

  • Farmington, NM

    Sunny intervals

    High: 48°F | Low: 19°F

  • Durango, CO

    Sunny intervals

    High: 45°F | Low: 18°F

  • Shiprock, NM

    Sunny intervals

    High: 50°F | Low: 21°F

  • Cortez, CO

    Light rain shower

    High: 39°F | Low: 19°F

  • Santa Fe, NM

    Sunny intervals

    High: 43°F | Low: 23°F