SAN JUAN COUNTY, N.M. — Court records allege a San Juan County high school student engaged in non-consensual sexual contact with another student, prompting investigators to seek felony charges.
The allegations are outlined in a sworn affidavit for arrest warrant filed Feb. 4, 2026, in Aztec Magistrate Court.
Because the case involves a minor, San Juan Pulse is limiting details to those necessary for public understanding as reflected in court records.
All allegations described below are drawn from court filings and law enforcement statements. No conviction has been entered. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
What court records allege
School-related report
According to the affidavit, deputies were dispatched in January 2026 after a student reported inappropriate touching by another student at Kirtland Central High School.
A school administrator forwarded the report to law enforcement, triggering a criminal investigation.
Forensic interview and video review
Court records state a forensic interview was conducted with the reporting student, who described a prior dating relationship and stated consent was withdrawn after the relationship ended.
The affidavit alleges the contact occurred inside a school hallway and was corroborated by school security camera footage showing the two students together at the time indicated.
Interview with the accused
Investigators later interviewed the accused student at the school. According to the affidavit, the student initially denied knowing the reporting party but later acknowledged prior contact after being confronted with video evidence.
Court records state the accused made statements acknowledging physical contact and later apologized, which investigators cited as part of the probable cause determination.
Charges requested
Felony counts listed
Based on the investigation, detectives requested an arrest warrant charging the defendant with criminal sexual contact of a minor (fourth-degree felony), false imprisonment with intent to commit a sexual offense (fourth-degree felony), and battery (misdemeanor), according to court records.
The affidavit states investigators relied on the reporting student’s statements, video evidence, and the accused’s admissions in seeking the charges.
Case status
The affidavit was signed by a judge, and an arrest warrant was requested. The case remains pending in San Juan County court.
Presumption of innocence:
All charges are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.