Facebook Horse Sale Unravels Into Criminal Case
Court records allege that a Facebook horse sale in San Juan County turned into a criminal case after a buyer paid for a horse she never received and was unable to recover her money.
According to sworn court filings, the case centers on Waymon Blane Wright, who investigators say advertised a horse for sale online and later stopped responding after payment was sent.
Facebook Post and Initial Contact
According to the probable cause affidavit, the buyer first became aware of the horse after seeing a Facebook post made by another individual. That post allegedly indicated the horse only had a short time left and would otherwise be taken to slaughter.
Court records state the buyer was told the horse could be saved if arrangements were made quickly. She was allegedly informed that transportation could be coordinated through Wright if she agreed to purchase the animal.
After initial conversations, the buyer was put in contact with Wright, who investigators say represented that the horse was on his property and that he could handle the sale and delivery.
Payment Sent and Delivery Promised
According to investigators, Wright agreed to sell the horse for $750. The buyer sent the money after being told the horse would be transported once arrangements were finalized.
Court filings allege Wright told the buyer he had someone who could haul the horse for an additional fee and that delivery would take place within days. At that point, the buyer believed the transaction was complete.
Missed Pickups and Shifting Explanations
The affidavit describes multiple failed attempts to retrieve the horse.
According to court records:
- A scheduled pickup did not occur
- Wright allegedly gave explanations involving vehicle trouble and third-party issues
- The buyer continued attempting to coordinate delivery
At one point, the buyer reportedly arranged transportation herself through a friend who was in Farmington for a rodeo. Investigators allege Wright agreed to this plan and said he wanted the horse off his property.
However, when the buyer attempted to finalize pickup, Wright allegedly stopped responding to calls and messages.
Buyer Told Horse Was Gone
Court records state the buyer eventually reached Wright again and was told the horse was no longer available. According to the affidavit, Wright allegedly said the horse had been placed on a kill truck and that he had been “done messing with it.”
Despite being told the horse was gone, the buyer allegedly asked for her money back. Investigators say Wright told her he needed time to get his finances together and would send the refund later.
No refund was ever received.
Bill of Sale Sent After the Fact
According to investigators, Wright later sent the buyer a bill of sale dated September 27, 2025, stating the horse had been paid for in full.
Court records allege this document was sent well after the original transaction and after the buyer had already been told the horse was gone. Investigators say the paperwork represented the sale as complete despite the buyer never receiving the horse.
That document later became part of the criminal investigation.
Investigation and Charges
The case was investigated by the New Mexico Livestock Board, which enforces livestock ownership and sale laws statewide.
Based on the investigation, prosecutors filed charges alleging Wright sold a horse he did not have the legal right to sell and later deprived the buyer of the animal after ownership was represented as transferred.
Booking, Release, and Court Motions
Jail and court records show Wright was taken into custody on January 23, 2026, after detention officials sought clarification on whether an earlier book-and-release order remained valid.
Emails between court staff and the San Juan County Adult Detention Center show jail officials asked whether Wright should remain in custody or be released pending arraignment. A judge later confirmed the prior book-and-release order was still in effect.
Wright was booked and released the same day on personal recognizance and ordered to appear in person for all future court proceedings.
Case Status
The case remains pending in San Juan County Magistrate Court. No trial date has yet been set.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
San Juan Pulse will continue monitoring court filings for further developments.
Related: Farmington woman charged in separate felony fraud case this month