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11 people charged in connection to fight at New Mexico detention center

Sheriff’s Office says fight erupted over COVID-19 issues

After a lengthy investigation, 11 people were charged in connection to a disturbance that broke out at the San Juan County Adult Detention Center in New Mexico earlier this summer.

San Juan County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Kevin Burns said on July 13 inmates incited violence and destruction in two adjoining pods.

Burns said the disturbance erupted after issues arose with COVID-19 testing, as well as issues with meals because of the pandemic. But he did not have further information about what sparked the incident.

Calls to Warden Daniel Webb were not returned.

Burns said the disturbance lasted two to four hours before law enforcement regained control.

“You have take out small groups at a time, use communication and force to basically move in and remove their ability to create barriers,” he said. “At which time, you get everyone detained, go back and make sure no one escaped.”

Burns said no inmates escaped during the incident. He did not know whether any jail staff members were injured.

Burns said the investigation took time, including a video review, before law enforcement could recommend charges.

On Aug. 27, a total of 11 people were charged for their involvement in the disturbance. Nine of the 11 were still incarcerated at the detention center. The remaining two people have active warrants for their arrest and are still outstanding, the Sheriff’s Office said.

Those who have been served charges include:

Juan Medrano, three counts of battery on a peace officer, a fourth-degree felony.Kevin Sanchez, three counts of battery on a peace officer, a fourth-degree felony.Erickson Matchers, criminal damage to property over $1,000, a fourth-degree felony; conspiracy to commit criminal damage to property over $1,000, a fourth-degree felony.Hyram Cayaditto, possession of deadly weapon by a prisoner, a second-degree felony; conspiracy to commit possession of deadly weapon by a prisoner, a third-degree felony; two counts of battery on a peace officer, a fourth-degree felony; criminal damage to property over $1,000, a fourth-degree felony.Damian Werito, possession of deadly weapon by a prisoner, a second-degree felony; conspiracy to commit possession of deadly weapon by a prisoner, a third-degree felony; arson $250 or less, petty misdemeanor.Bingo Smith, arson over $500 but not more than $2,500, a fourth-degree felony; conspiracy to commit arson over $500 but not more than $2,500, a fourth-degree felony.Harry Johnhat, arson over $500 but not more than $2,500, a fourth-degree felony; conspiracy to commit arson over $500 but not more than $2,500, a fourth-degree felony.Daniel Yarborough, criminal damage to property less than $1,000, a petty misdemeanor.Jeremaine Cayaditto, criminal damage to property less than $1,000, a petty misdemeanorOutstanding warrants include:

Isiaih Cayaditto, arson negligent-damages building or occupied structure, a fourth-degree felony; criminal damage to property less than $1,000, a petty misdemeanor.Charles Wilson, possession of deadly weapon by a prisoner, a second-degree felony; conspiracy to commit possession of deadly weapon by a prisoner, a third-degree felony.

jromeo@durangoherald.com

Isiaih Cayaditto, arson negligent-damages building or occupied structure, a fourth-degree felony; criminal damage to property less than $1,000, a petty misdemeanor.Charles Wilson, possession of deadly weapon by a prisoner, a second-degree felony; conspiracy to commit possession of deadly weapon by a prisoner, a third-degree felony.



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