PASSED OUT DRUNK - W/KIDS
2/12, Yatahey
Three parents were arrested at T&R Market Gas Station on Highway 491 at 10:20 pm. McKinley County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Monty Yazzie was dispatched; responding to a call from the security officer who witnessed a van pull into the gas station and park. Charges include DWI and child abuse, first offense, for placing several children in a dangerous situation.
Yazzie approached the vehicle to find three sleeping adults with five minors. Yazzie woke the female driver, Stephanie Cleveland, 34, and placed her under arrest for DWI and child abuse. Stephanie Cleveland had her son in the vehicle. Two male passengers, Justin Slinkey, 41, and Cedrick Cleveland, 31, each had two children of their own in the vehicle as well; both men were also charged with child abuse. The children were released to Stephanie Cleveland’s mother.
THROW AWAY THE KEY
2/10, Gallup
The case of Barion Solorzano, 33, captured media attention from across the state when he was sentenced to 30 years in prison in Gallup District Court for molesting his now 8-year-old niece and for making child pornography. Judge Louis E. DePauli, Jr. imposed the sentence on Solorzano.
Investigators also discovered that Solorzano had 436 photos of child pornography on his computer. He must register as a sex offender for life.
At the age of 20 he was sentenced to prison for 10 years in Nevada for criminal sexual contact with a minor. He skipped out on probation when he headed to New Mexico in 2014.
The young victim’s mom, Tiffany Lyn-Garcia, kept it real in the courtroom, saying she knew something was wrong when her daughter asked her this question while they sat in her car.
“Is p---y a bad word? I said, who the f--k taught you p---y? [Whose] a-s am I kicking?”
“Uncle Barrion likes my p---y,” Garcia told the court.
DePauli had some harsh words for Solorzano.
“I don’t know why you are the way are defendant,” DePauli said, according to court transcripts. “… You might have been a pedophile from the day you were born. Maybe it’s just in you.”
“The state says you need to be punished. You do. There are no ifs, ands or buts,” he said. “The report seems to be clear that you’re at a very high risk to reoffend.”
HAIR PULLING CREEP
2/10, Gamerco
McKinley County Sheriff Deputy Monty Yazzie arrested Joseph Rangel, 20 for domestic battery at after 7 pm. Yazzie was called to a residence on the 100 block of Rosita. Yazzie reported that Rangel battered his wife and held her against her will. He had grabbed her from behind and put her in a chokehold. The victim also said that after he released her from the chokehold, she stated that Rangel “grabbed her by the hair and proceeded to drag her the length of her vehicle.”
Yazzie charged Rangel with false imprisonment, aggravated battery of a household member, and assault.
MOBILE ABUSER
2/9, Gallup
Gallup Police Department Officer Ryan Blackgoat was dispatched to Andy’s Trading Company, 612 W. Wilson Ave shortly after 2 pm in reference to a disorderly male in a vehicle. Officer Bowman assisted with the call.
The officers determined that Bennie Wilson, 57, had consumed alcohol and battered his ex-wife inside her vehicle, “accusing her of cheating.” Wilson had even grabbed the steering wheel as she drove, nearly causing her to crash into the sidewalk. He reportedly hit her in the face twice with a closed fist. Wilson was placed under arrest and was transported to the county jail.
IDENTITY CRISIS
2/7, Gallup
GPD Officer Andrew Thayer was dispatched to a domestic dispute call at about 7:45 am. Thayer encountered Byron Begay, 27, who had been reported to be suicidal.
Thayer observed Begay “stuff a clear glass smoking tube down the front of (wife’s) pants.” Witnessing this, Thayer placed Begay under arrest. Begay provided a false social security number “because he had warrants;” he was charged with concealing identity and arrested on his outstanding warrants. Begay was also charged with drug paraphernalia and tampering with evidence.