FARMINGTON, N.M. — A Farmington man is facing felony charges after investigators say multiple firearms and large quantities of ammunition were discovered hidden inside a concealed room during a search of his residence, according to court records filed in San Juan County Magistrate Court.
Danny Paul Arnold, 49, is charged with possession of a firearm or destructive device by a felon following a search conducted at a residence on Copper Avenue in Farmington.
All allegations described in court filings are unproven. Arnold is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Investigation tied to armed robbery case
According to a sworn affidavit for arrest warrant, Farmington Police detectives were investigating a reported armed robbery that occurred earlier in January at a residence on Smith Lane.
Court records state three suspects allegedly forced entry into the home while armed with pistols, assaulted the occupants, and stole multiple items, including a television, laptop, bicycles, and a pit bull puppy. One victim reportedly sustained head injuries requiring medical treatment.
Surveillance footage from the residence allegedly captured the suspects during the incident and later fleeing the scene in a pickup truck. Investigators used video evidence and follow-up surveillance to identify individuals believed to be connected to the offense.
Search warrant executed at Farmington residence
As the investigation continued, detectives obtained a search warrant for a residence located on Copper Avenue, identified in court records as Danny Arnold’s residence.
During the execution of the warrant, investigators reported locating multiple firearms, ammunition, and firearm-related items inside the home.
Firearms concealed behind hidden wall
Court filings describe the discovery of a concealed compartment inside the laundry room of the residence. Investigators noted that a section of the wall appeared altered, with texture and finish inconsistent with the surrounding area.
Detectives removed sheetrock, revealing a hidden closet measuring approximately four feet wide by two feet deep, extending from the floor to the height of the wall.
Inside the concealed space, officers reported recovering multiple firearms, including:
- An AR-15 style rifle, loaded with a magazine at full capacity
- A .22-caliber rifle equipped with a scope
In addition to the firearms, investigators reported finding a large quantity of ammunition throughout the residence, including 9mm, .22-caliber, and .223-caliber rounds.
Criminal history and felony prohibition
A criminal history check conducted during the investigation indicated Arnold is a convicted felon and is legally prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under state and federal law, according to court records.
The affidavit notes Arnold’s prior felony convictions span multiple years and include offenses related to stolen property, evidence tampering, forgery-related crimes, and parole violations.
Based on the recovery of firearms and ammunition concealed inside the residence, investigators concluded there was probable cause to charge Arnold with unlawful possession of firearms by a felon.
Case status
An arrest warrant was approved and filed on January 28, 2026. The case is pending in San Juan County Magistrate Court.
No convictions have been entered as of publication.
All charges are allegations only. Danny Paul Arnold is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Related:
A separate San Juan County case filed this week highlights allegations of financial crimes uncovered during a records review, where investigators say a trusted position may have been used to divert funds over time.
👉 Read the full report on the San Juan County embezzlement case