Jeff Hawkins (Courtesy: San Juan Co. Sheriff's Office)
Jeff Hawkins is currently a registered sex offender in San Juan County and was released early from prison after serving approximately 16 years. On August 1st, 1994 Hawkins was charged with seven counts of criminal sexual penetration. In February of 1995, Hawkins was found guilty on four counts of criminal sexual penetration and later sentenced to 31 years in prison. Hawkins was released 15 years early from prison in May of 2011; he served five years of probation after his release and is required to register as a sex offender for life.
From the San Juan County Sheriff's Office:
On October 8th, 2018 Detectives with the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office, arrested 62-year-old Jeff Hawkins on one count of criminal sexual contact of a minor in the 3rd degree (child under 13 years of age) and false imprisonment. Jeff Hawkins is currently a registered sex offender in San Juan County and was released early from prison after serving approximately 16 years. On August 1st, 1994 Hawkins was charged with seven counts of criminal sexual penetration. In February of 1995, Hawkins was found guilty on four counts of criminal sexual penetration and later sentenced to 31 years in prison. Hawkins was released 15 years early from prison in May of 2011; he served five years of probation after his release and is required to register as a sex offender for life.
Sheriff Christesen was the lead investigator on this case, nearly 24 years ago and is disappointed to see that Hawkins was released early and re-offended. The Sheriff stated, “If Hawkins had been forced to serve his entire 31-year sentence, we would not have more victims suffering today. This is a man that admitted to abusing young children in the past and has certainly not be rehabilitated by his limited time in prison.”
The Sheriff's Office Traffic Reconstruction Team responded to conduct the investigation into the fatal crash. Two persons on bicycles (an adult male and an adult female) were struck by a 2006 Ford Ranger driven by Jaron Todecheeny of Aztec, NM. Both bicyclists died at the scene.
As Vice President of Diversity Affairs at FLC, Heather Shotton has played a pivotal role in advancing a culture of belonging and enhancing student access and success. In addition to her work in diversity affairs, she serves as Acting Dean of Student Engagement, overseeing more than 70 staff members supporting student well-being and success.
The initial call was received at 5:23 AM. The individual was identified from video surveillance. The male was contacted by Durango Police Department Patrol and is now in custody. He has been identified as Joe Brinkerhoff, a resident of the City of Durango. Due to a prior incident, Joe Brinkerhoff was trespassed from the property and his Rec Center privileges were suspended.
After a thorough and ongoing investigation by detectives and working with the district attorney's office, a thorough review of the case was conducted, and the decision to proceed with criminal charges was made. A warrant was issued to charge Heather Fernandez-Hoefer. She was taken into custody without incident on April 1, 2025.
Upon arrival, deputies made contact with multiple individuals including juveniles and young adults and located a deceased individual identified as Samuell Tariq Liggins, age 20.