FARMINGTON, N.M. — A Farmington woman is facing criminal charges after police responded to a disturbance involving alcohol, an intoxicated minor, and a family altercation inside a residence, according to a statement of probable cause filed in San Juan County Magistrate Court.
Winona Begay, 23, was arrested following a January 24, 2026 incident at a home on Oriole Avenue in Farmington. She is charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
Police respond to disturbance
According to court records, Farmington police were dispatched to the residence at approximately 9:16 p.m. after receiving a report of a disturbance involving a juvenile believed to be intoxicated.
Dispatch advised officers that a concerned adult had contacted police after learning a minor was inside the home and appeared impaired.
When officers arrived, they made contact with individuals outside the residence before being allowed inside.
Inside the residence
Inside the residence, officers located a minor who appeared visibly intoxicated. According to the probable cause statement, the minor showed signs including slurred speech, watery eyes, and difficulty standing.
Police reported that the minor admitted to consuming alcohol inside the residence earlier in the evening.
The minor’s exact age was not specified in the court filing.
While inside the home, officers observed multiple containers of alcohol. Court records state the minor told officers the alcohol had been provided by Winona Begay, who had been present at the residence prior to police arrival.
Officers documented the scene and gathered statements from those present.
Argument escalates into physical confrontation
According to court records, a verbal argument broke out among family members after police began addressing the minor’s condition. The dispute escalated, and officers reported a brief physical altercation involving multiple individuals inside the residence.
Police attempted to separate those involved as tensions increased.
During the disturbance, Begay reportedly attempted to leave the residence while officers were still on scene.
Attempt to leave and detention
As officers attempted to detain Begay outside the home, police say a struggle occurred near the doorway. During the incident, an officer reported being struck while attempting to control the situation and separate those involved.
Begay was ultimately detained and placed into handcuffs. Officers reported the scene was stabilized shortly afterward.
Evidence collected
Following the arrest, officers documented alcohol containers found inside the residence and inside a vehicle connected to the incident. Court records note that photographs and evidence were collected and submitted as part of the investigation.
The case was later listed as cleared, indicating the investigation was completed and forwarded for prosecution.
Court proceedings and release status
Court records show Begay was released on her own recognizance following her arrest.
She is scheduled to appear for a preliminary examination on February 4, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. in San Juan County Magistrate Court, before Judge Stanley R. King.
Presumption of innocence
All charges are allegations only. Winona Begay is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Related: San Juan County battery case involving alcohol-related incident filed earlier this month