FARMINGTON, N.M. — What began as a shoplifting call involving deli food at a Farmington Walmart escalated into a felony drug case after officers discovered suspected fentanyl pills during a search following the arrest, according to court records filed this week.
Christopher Adam Gutierrez, 48, was arrested on January 25, 2026, after store employees reported two men attempting to leave Walmart without paying for merchandise. The case was later supported by a probable cause determination filed in magistrate court on January 26.
Shoplifting call at Walmart
According to a Statement of Probable Cause, Farmington police were dispatched to the Walmart on West Main Street after Asset Protection staff detained two suspects for shoplifting.
Store employees reported the men selected food items from the deli and grocery sections before going to self-checkout. Surveillance footage reviewed by officers reportedly showed the suspects scanning some items, attempting to pay with a card that was declined, and then walking past all points of sale with unpaid merchandise.
The total value of the unpaid items was listed at $47.87, according to documentation provided by the store.
Arrest and transport to jail
After reviewing surveillance footage and statements from store personnel, officers arrested both suspects for misdemeanor shoplifting. Gutierrez was also found to have an outstanding felony warrant, according to court records.
Both men were transported to the San Juan County Adult Detention Center.
Discovery during booking search
While conducting a search incident to arrest at the detention center, officers located a Zyn container concealed inside Gutierrez’s sock, according to the probable cause statement.
Inside the container, officers reported finding six blue pills stamped “M30,” which were identified based on training and experience as suspected fentanyl. A glass pipe believed to be used for inhaling narcotics was also recovered.
The suspected narcotics and paraphernalia were logged into evidence, and detectives were notified.
Statements to officers
Court documents state Gutierrez was advised of his Miranda rights and agreed to speak with officers.
Gutierrez reportedly acknowledged possessing the pills but denied selling drugs. When asked directly whether the pills were fentanyl, Gutierrez indicated they were and made statements suggesting the substance was connected to making money, according to the affidavit.
Charges filed
Based on the investigation, Gutierrez is facing multiple charges, including:
- Trafficking a controlled substance (intent to distribute)
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Shoplifting (misdemeanor)
A probable cause determination was found on January 26, 2026, and the case was filed in Farmington Magistrate Court.
A preliminary examination is scheduled for February 4, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. in Courtroom 2.
Presumption of innocence
All charges are allegations only. Christopher Adam Gutierrez is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Related:
A separate Farmington case involving a restaurant walkout and alleged theft of services was also filed this month in San Juan County court records.
👉 https://sanjuanpulse.com/2026/01/27/farmington-restaurant-dine-and-dash-case-012626/