An inmate has been charged with aggravated battery after deputies reviewed surveillance footage of a reported assault inside a detention cell at the San Juan County Adult Detention Center on Andrea Drive in Farmington.
Talia Tapaha, 45, is accused of striking another detainee with a food tray during an incident inside cell M-11, according to an affidavit. The altercation was reported after jail staff responded to a disturbance in the housing unit.
According to the affidavit, the incident occurred on April 13, 2026, at approximately 6:30 a.m., but was reported to deputies the following day when they were dispatched to 871 Andrea Drive in reference to a battery between detainees. Investigators reviewed video footage and conducted interviews as part of the investigation.
Police allege that during the altercation, Tapaha used a standard food tray—described as approximately 12 inches by 16 inches and made of hard plastic—as a weapon. The reporting party told deputies she was struck multiple times in the head and shoulder area while lying in bed.
According to court records, the alleged victim sustained injuries requiring medical treatment, including staples to the head. Deputies documented dried blood and red marks during the investigation.
Authorities state that Tapaha later admitted to striking the other detainee with the tray, telling officers she believed she had been kidnapped. The affidavit states jail staff entered the cell and placed Tapaha in handcuffs.
At the time of the investigation, Tapaha was reported to be receiving medical care at San Juan Regional Medical Center for an unrelated issue and was unable to provide a statement due to her condition, according to court records.
CHARGES FILED
- Aggravated Battery (Deadly Weapon)
The allegation follows a separate Farmington forgery case involving different charges filed in magistrate court, according to publicly available court records.
CASE STATUS
A warrant for Tapaha’s arrest was issued on April 15, 2026, in San Juan County Magistrate Court. Bond was ordered to be determined at a first appearance. Court records indicate the warrant is pending service. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
SOURCE
San Juan County Magistrate Court records; Affidavit for Arrest Warrant; San Juan County Sheriff’s Office.
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
All individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.