A third-degree felony larceny charge has been filed in Farmington Magistrate Court alleging more than $7,400 in stolen utilities from the Farmington Electric Utility System, according to a criminal complaint filed in San Juan County.

The complaint, filed March 2, 2026, names Wilson Mark Shanafelt as the defendant and alleges the offense occurred between October 5, 2021, and February 19, 2026. The filing is separate from previously reported commercial burglary charges in Farmington involving the same defendant.

What Court Records Allege

According to the criminal complaint, the defendant is accused of stealing electricity, water and sewage services belonging to the Farmington Electric Utility System. The document states the total value of the property taken was more than $2,500 but not more than $20,000.

The affidavit alleges the defendant’s electric service was disconnected on Sept. 28, 2021, for nonpayment. Utility records cited in the complaint indicate the final authorized meter reading was taken Oct. 5, 2021.

The affidavit states that a later meter reading reflected a substantial increase in usage. It alleges that between the prior reading and a subsequent reading, there was a difference of 30,336 kilowatt-hours.

Utility Department Findings

According to the affidavit, Farmington Electric Utility personnel reported that tampering with the electric meter was discovered in January 2023. The document states the meter had been placed back on the electric pole without the electric company’s permission.

The affidavit further states that water service had also been tampered with. It alleges that a comparison of meter readings showed a substantial increase in usage and that more than 135,000 gallons of water were consumed during the period in question.

The document indicates that sewer charges were associated with the water usage and that tampering fees were assessed for both electric and water service.

Total Amount Alleged

According to the complaint, the total dollar amount attributed to the alleged stolen utilities was $7,432.06. The affidavit itemizes the amount as follows: electric charges totaling $4,140.83; water charges totaling $1,141.71; sewage charges totaling $985.71; electric tampering fees of $600; water tampering fees of $400; and a line-cut charge of $163.81.

The complaint states the amount falls within the statutory threshold for larceny of more than $2,500 but not more than $20,000 under New Mexico law.

Charges Filed

• Larceny (more than $2,500 but not more than $20,000), a third-degree felony

Case Status

The charge was filed in Farmington Magistrate Court under case number M-47-FR-2026-00133. Court records reflect the filing date as March 2, 2026.

Source

Information in this article was obtained from a criminal complaint filed in Farmington Magistrate Court in San Juan County. The complaint was sworn by a detective with the Farmington Police Department.

Wilson Mark Shanafelt is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Charges are allegations. No determination of guilt has been made.