Court records allege a Farmington man threw an object at a deputy while being escorted inside the San Juan County Detention Center, prompting prosecutors to seek an arrest warrant. The allegation is outlined in a sworn affidavit for arrest warrant filed in Aztec Magistrate Court. The incident was captured on jail surveillance video, according to the filing.

What Court Records Allege

Officers Respond to Detention Center Incident

According to the affidavit, deputies were dispatched to the San Juan County Detention Center during the morning hours of Jan. 30, 2026, in reference to a reported battery involving a member of the jail staff. The responding deputy stated he was on duty in uniform and driving a clearly marked law enforcement vehicle at the time.

Court records state that upon arrival, deputies met with on-duty detention personnel, who provided access to surveillance footage from inside the facility. The footage reportedly showed the defendant being detained by correctional officers inside one of the housing blocks.

Escort Toward Lockdown Area

The affidavit states that the surveillance video showed the defendant in handcuffs with his hands behind his back while officers escorted him toward a secured area of the jail. As officers walked him toward the door, one deputy was positioned nearby assisting with inmate movement.

According to court records, the defendant was observed holding a roll of toilet paper while being escorted. Officers reported that he had refused to provide a statement when initially contacted following the incident.

Object Thrown During Deputy Interaction

Investigators allege the defendant threw the roll of toilet paper toward a deputy during the escort, striking him in the chest. The affidavit states the deputy had been handing out breakfast items moments earlier and had asked the defendant to provide his last name.

Court records allege the defendant responded with profanity before throwing the object. The deputy reported no injuries as a result of the contact, according to the affidavit.

Statements Reviewed by Investigators

According to the affidavit, investigators contacted additional officers who were present during the incident. One officer stated he observed the toilet paper in the defendant’s hands prior to the object being thrown but did not see it directed toward the deputy.

Another officer reported that as the defendant was escorted past the deputy, he made a verbal statement and then threw the toilet paper in what was described as a rude and insolent manner. Based on those statements and the video review, deputies sought a warrant for battery on a peace officer.

Charges Filed

• Battery upon a peace officer — fourth-degree felony, according to the affidavit

The charge is an allegation that must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt in court. No conviction has been entered in the case.

Case Status

Court records indicate an arrest warrant was requested based on the affidavit. Information regarding bond, custody status, court dates, or legal representation was not included in the court filing reviewed for this report.

Source

The information in this article is drawn from an affidavit for arrest warrant filed Feb. 2, 2026, in Aztec Magistrate Court. The affidavit was sworn by a deputy with the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office.

All persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Charges are allegations and do not constitute evidence of guilt.