Emerson Pinto, 58, of Crownpoint, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, pleaded guilty on Aug. 11 in federal court to two counts of abusive sexual contact in Indian Country. Pinto will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled.

According to the plea agreement, between on or about Sept. 1, 2009, and Oct. 31, 2009, Pinto knowingly engaged in unlawful sexual contact with two girls who were under the age of 12 at the time of the offenses. Pinto admitted to touching the girls for sexual gratification at a home in Little Water, New Mexico, on the Navajo Nation.

Under the terms of his plea agreement Pinto faces up to eight years and one month in...

The Gallup Police Department requested assistance from the New Mexico State Police in an effort curb the influx of street racing within the city limits of Gallup and surrounding areas back in May.

After planning the operations with the Gallup Police Department and the McKinley County Sheriff’s Office, two street racing operations were conducted. The first operation was conducted on July 17 and another on Aug 7. Both operations focused on street racing and other traffic violations within the city limits of Gallup and surrounding area of the county. The first operation consisted of a total of 29 officers from the New Mexico State Police, the Gallup Police Department, and the McKinley...

A man who was photographed wearing a mask is wanted by Gallup Police. But first, they need to know who he is.

The man in this picture is wanted for questioning in a robbery that took place on Aug. 5.

Information about the robbery can be given to Metro Dispatch at (505) 722-2231 or Crime Stoppers at (877) 722-6161.

Please reference case #21-30969.

Callers can remain anonymous.

A new thrift store in town offers residents a chance to find great deals while helping the local pet population. The McKinley County Humane Society Thrift Store opened July 6, and has been very popular since.

“We’re popping over here,” store manager Tera Selleck said. “We’re getting donations coming in all day and lots of people have been in to shop.”

Located in the old Griswold’s Inc. at 2006 E. Hwy 66, the store accepts donations and resells them, with all proceeds going to the local Humane Society.

Christa Ramey, who took over as board Vice President in February, said she thinks the thrift shop will be good for the organization.

“The thrift store allows us...