The operation targeted suspects who: (1) produce, distribute, receive and possess child pornography; (2) engage in online enticement of children for sexual purposes; (3) engage in the sex trafficking of children; and (4) travel across state lines or to foreign countries and sexually abuse children (justice.gov).
From the San Juan County Sheriff's Office
Friday, June 21, 2019
Between the dates of April 1, 2019 and May 15, 2019, detectives with the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office arrested seven suspects in ‘Operation Broken Heart 6’, in partnership with the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The operation targeted suspects who: (1) produce, distribute, receive and possess child pornography; (2) engage in online enticement of children for sexual purposes; (3) engage in the sex trafficking of children; and (4) travel across state lines or to foreign countries and sexually abuse children (justice.gov).
-Juan Chaves was arrested on April 1, 2019 on the charge of exploitation of a child (possession and manufacturing). -Samson Valentino was arrested on April 17, 2019 on the charge of child solicitation by electronic communication device and meets child. -Jeffrey Ritchey was arrested on May 11, 2019 on the charge of exploitation of a child (possession and manufacturing) voyeurism of a minor. -Kyle Tso was arrested on May 15, 2019 on the charge of criminal sexual penetration of a minor and is facing federal prosecution (no booking photo available). -Nathaniel Julg was arrested on May 21, 2019 on the charge of child solicitation by electronic communication device and meets child.
-Two unnamed juvenile suspects were arrested for sexual exploitation of a child (possession).
The Sheriff’s Office would like to remind the public to be cautious of who they allow their children to spend time alone with, to avoid potentially dangerous encounters. If you are worried your child was a victim of sexual abuse, please contact dispatch at 505-334-6622 and ask to speak with a Detective. The public is also encouraged to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678).
AirCare 3 is a Pilatus PC-12 Legacy. It joins AirCare 1, a Bell 429 twin engine helicopter, and AirCare 2, a Pilatus PC-12 NGX, all owned by San Juan Regional Medical Center and operated by Air Methods.
The San Juan County Extension Service Building project is one of 14 projects funded by $13 million recovered in New Mexico’s 2022 settlements with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA contractors, and mining defendants for injuries to natural resources resulting from the August 2015 Gold King Mine blowout.
The (Four Corners Freight Rail) project aligns with the selection criteria by enhancing resilience and improving system and service performance, as the project will provide a viable freight transportation modal alternative to highway trucking, opportunities to simplify the supply chain, and enable new, rail-dependent economic development opportunities thereby imparting benefits to the Navajo Nation and surrounding communities.
The victim is a 12-year old boy who died of apparent stab wounds. A second victim, believed to be the suspect’s mother, sustained injuries from a blunt object attack and is being treated at CommonSpirit Mercy Hospital in Durango. The names of the victims are being withheld as the investigation is ongoing.
The incident was reported by a motorist who was involved in a single vehicle accident shortly after 7 a.m., believed to have been caused by the suspect as he fled the residence on Snowy Peaks Way. Deputies discovered the scene when they arrived to investigate the accident.
Andrew Wittenberg has been charged with aggravated burglary, larceny of a firearm, two counts of first-degree murder, and tampering with evidence. The investigation is still ongoing, and more information will be provided as it becomes available.