Man Arrested on Child Sexual Abuse Charges

Friday, September 16, 2016 at 8:25 AM

Through the initial investigation, officers learned that Scott Charles may have sexually abused the girl on several occasions over a period of a couple years in various locations. A child forensic interview and sexual assault exam were conducted as part of the investigation and detectives questioned Charles further. A victim advocate with the Farmington Police Department assisted the child’s mother in obtaining an order of protection to prevent Charles from having further contact with the child, in the event he is able to bond out of jail.

From Farmington Police:

Farmington police arrested a 23-year-old man on charges of child sexual abuse. On the morning of September 15, Farmington police were dispatched to an address on Lee Avenue in reference to sexual abuse against a 5-year-old girl. The child’s mother and her boyfriend, Scott Charles of Farmington, went to stay at the apartment, belonging to a relative, for the night.

At approximately 2:30 a.m. a relative of the child’s mother heard the child scream. The relative found the child in the living room, shaking and crying while trying to pull up her pajama pants. Charles was lying next to the child, unclothed from the waist down. The family member removed the child and took her to another room for safety.

Through the initial investigation, officers learned that Charles may have sexually abused the girl on several occasions over a period of a couple years in various locations. A child forensic interview and sexual assault exam were conducted as part of the investigation and detectives questioned Charles further. A victim advocate with the Farmington Police Department assisted the child’s mother in obtaining an order of protection to prevent Charles from having further contact with the child, in the event he is able to bond out of jail.

Charles was arrested and charged with Criminal Sexual Penetration of a minor, a first degree felony that carries a sentence of up to 18 years imprisonment. He is being held at the San Juan County Detention Center on a $60,000 bond.

More from Local News

Gov. to Visit Flood-Stricken San Juan County

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.
National Guard, State Police carry out rescues as historic flooding hits San Juan County

New Mexico Governor Lujan Grisham preparing request for federal disaster declaration
Bloomfield: Wastewater Emergency

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.
Kirtland Students on Remote Learning thru Thursday

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.
*UPDATE* Boil Water Advisory Lifted for Lower Valley Water Users

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.
Woman's Husband Arrested for Kirtland Killing

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.

On KSJE Now:

The Scott Michlin Morning Program
8:05am - 9:00am

Newsmakers, local information and current events.
BBC News
9:00am - 9:05am
Roving With The Arts
9:05am - 10:00am