A woman has been charged with child abuse after police reported injuries to two children during a welfare check in Farmington, according to a statement of probable cause. The incident was reported March 10, 2026, and the case was filed in Farmington Magistrate Court.

Officers were dispatched to the 900 block of Fairgrounds Road for a welfare check involving two children. According to the statement, the reporting party provided the children’s names and said no one answered the door when they attempted contact earlier. Officers later made contact with the children and the defendant at the Fairfield Marriott.

Welfare check and initial contact

According to the statement, officers contacted Leeanda Begay at the Fairfield Marriott. Police reported that she appeared to have slurred speech and an odor of alcohol. The children were present, and one child initially appeared hesitant to speak with officers.

Officers reported that the defendant allowed them inside the room. Police documented that the children were hesitant during questioning and that one child indicated being hit.

Statements from children

According to the statement, one child told police that the defendant hit them with a computer charger and kicked them multiple times, causing pain to the leg and hands. The child also reported being struck with a computer charger cord three to four times.

A second child told officers that the defendant pulled their hair, pushed them, and kicked them, and also described being hit with a stick.

Observed injuries and evidence

Officers documented visible injuries on both children. According to the statement, one child had an injury on the right outer shin area measuring approximately three inches, described as an older injury consistent with the child’s statement, along with lighter discoloration and two smaller purple areas.

Another child was observed to have an injury on the right leg described as two inches long and purple in color. Officers reported that the injuries observed were consistent with statements provided.

Police reported locating a computer charger in the room that matched the description provided by one child. The item was collected as evidence.

Arrest and additional observations

According to the statement, officers placed the defendant under arrest. Police reported observing signs of intoxication, including slurred speech and the odor of alcohol. The defendant was transported to the San Juan County Adult Detention Center.

Authorities contacted relatives to arrange care for the children. According to the statement, the children were released to their grandfather.

CHARGES FILED

• Child abuse (court records do not specify degree)

The charge is similar to a recent Roswell rollover crash case involving aggravated DWI and child abuse allegations, according to court records.

CASE STATUS

The case was filed in Farmington Magistrate Court. The statement indicates this is the defendant’s first charge of child abuse. A preliminary examination is scheduled for April 15, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. in Courtroom 3.

SOURCE

Statement of probable cause and notice of preliminary examination filed in Farmington Magistrate Court by the Farmington Police Department.

Leeanda Begay is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Charges are allegations. No determination of guilt has been made.