Gallup Sun

A woman was charged with child abuse after police found her and her child in a house that contained fentanyl and methamphetamine.

On May 16, around 6 am, Gallup Police officers and members of the McKinley County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant signed by District Court Judge Doug Decker at a residence located at 505 ½ W. Mesa Ave. When they entered the residence, they met with two women, who both had warrants out for their arrest. One of those women was 37-year-old Angela Quam.

After officers detained the other woman who had a warrant out for her arrest, they spoke to Quam, who had an infant with her. She said that the baby, who is nine months old, was her’s.

When...

Police find motel room littered with diapers, alcohol bottles

A Gallup couple is facing child abuse charges after officers found them in a motel room with marijuana and a baby.

On May 8, around 8:45 pm, Gallup Police Officer Charlie Watkins was dispatched to the Motel 6 at 3306 W. Hwy. 66 after someone reported they could hear a child crying and two people arguing in one of the motel rooms.

Watkins reportedly found the door cracked open when he arrived at the scene. When he walked into the room he was instantly hit with the smell of alcohol. He also noticed three people in the room, two adults and a child. The adults were later identified as Austin Gregg and Sophina...

McKinley County Deputy Fire Chief Lawrence Montoya Jr. had his last day as the county’s Fire Chief on May 14, where he spoke to the county commissioners about the county’s response to the April 26 train derailment.

In an interview with the Sun, McKinley County Deputy County Manager Brian Money said he couldn’t comment on why Montoya was terminated because it is a personnel matter that can’t be disclosed.

For now, Deputy Fire Chief Tim Barry will serve as the Interim Chief. The county will advertise the position and start the hiring process in the near future.

Staff Reports

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced the appointment of Brad Keeler as an Eleventh Judicial District Court Judge May 20. Keeler’s appointment fills the seat left vacant due to the retirement of the Honorable Judge Louis E. DePauli, Jr.

Since 2003, Keeler practiced as an attorney at Keeler & Keeler, LLP, most recently holding the title of partner. Keeler is a graduate of Baylor University and Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law. He was admitted to the New Mexico Bar in 2002.

His appointment begins June 8.

Staff Reports