Latest news with #NavajoCountyAttorney'sOffice
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Show Low journalist accused of faking social media posts about missing teen, officials say
The editor of an online news outlet in northern Arizona was charged with fraud and obstructing an investigation after authorities said she made fake social media posts about a missing teenager. Jarrett Brooks, 17, went missing from his home in Joseph City in July 2023, according to the Navajo County Sheriff's Office. The Navajo County Attorney's Office said Molly Ottman, 50, of Show Low, made several Reddit posts posing as Brooks' father, Brian. The posts made months after the teenager's disappearance implied the man had molested his son. Ottman later contacted investigators to report the posts, the County Attorney's Office said. Police began investigating the allegations, executing search warrants at the man's residence and the offices of a private investigator he employed. They ultimately concluded that Ottman had made the posts herself. She works as an editor at the Mountain Daily Star, an online publication that covers Navajo and Apache counties. "A 16-year-old boy was missing, and all of law enforcement's energy and resources should have been able to remain focused strictly on the search for that young man," Navajo County Attorney Brad Carlyon said in a statement. "Diverting attention, resources and time to fabricated evidence creates unwarranted distractions during time-sensitive investigations." Ottman was due in court June 2. She did not respond to The Arizona Republic's request for comment on May 29, but previously told State 48 News the allegations against her were "absolutely untrue." She told the outlet she would plead not guilty in the case. Jarrett has been missing for nearly two years. He was first reported as a runaway July 4, 2023, according to the County Attorney's Office. The teen reportedly had an argument with his parents over being grounded before leaving, the office said. The County Attorney's Office said various law enforcement agencies have conducted "extensive searches" for Jarrett. The Sheriff's Office said in 2024 it had investigated hundreds of tips and leads regarding Jarrett's disappearance, but none offered credible information. Jarrett was last seen dressed in a black t-shirt with "AMERICA" across the front, blue jeans, cowboy boots and a baseball hat. He was described by law enforcement as a white male with brown eyes and blond hair. He is about 6 feet tall and weighs approximately 140 pounds. If you have any information regarding Jarrett's whereabouts, call the Navajo County Sheriff's Office at 928-524-4050. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona news editor accused of implying dad molested missing son
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Yahoo
Show Low man accused of shooting, killing 1-year-old daughter in front of her mother
A Show Low man was indicted for the shooting death of his 1-year-old daughter, the Navajo County Attorney's Office said. Adam Joseph Montoya, 27, is accused of shooting and killing his daughter with an AR-15 rifle in front of the baby's mother on Feb. 3, according to a Facebook post from the county attorney's office. The child was taken to the hospital but died about an hour later due to her injuries, the Show Low Police Department said. The shooting occurred at a home near the 1700 block of West Merrill in Show Low around 10 p.m., according to police. A Navajo County grand jury indicted Montoya on Feb. 11. He faces one count of second-degree murder, a Class 1 felony, and one count of child abuse, a Class 2 felony. Montoya is being held on a $1 million bond in the Navajo County Jail. His next court date is March 6. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Show Low man indicted in shooting death of 1-year-old daughter
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Yahoo
Ariz. Father Accused of Fatally Shooting 1-Year-Old Daughter with Assault Rifle in Front of Child's Mother
An Arizona father has been charged with murder after authorities allege he fatally shot his toddler daughter in front of the child's mother. On Feb. 11, Adam Joseph Montoya, 27, was indicted by a grand jury on charges of second-degree murder and child abuse in connection with the death of his 1-year-old daughter, according to a news release from the Navajo County Attorney's Office. Montoya, of Show Low, Ariz., is accused of using an AR-15 rifle to carry out the fatal shooting, which took place in front of his daughter's mother on Feb. 3, per the release. Further details about the shooting and a possible motive have not been publicly shared by said Montoya is being held on a $1 million bond in the Navajo County Jail. It's unclear if he has entered a plea or retained an attorney to speak on his behalf. PEOPLE has reached out to the Navajo County Public Defender's Office for comment. Montoya's next court appearance is scheduled for on March 6, per the release. Read the original article on People
CBS News
25-02-2025
- CBS News
Arizona man accused of fatally shooting his 1-year-old daughter in front of girl's mother
An Arizona grand jury has indicted a man in the fatal shooting of his 1-year-old daughter, and prosecutors say he carried out the crime with an AR-style rifle in front of the girl's mother. The indictment issued earlier this month charges Adam Joseph Montoya, 27, with two felony counts - second-degree murder and child abuse. Montoya has pleaded not guilty to the charges. The Navajo County Public Defender's Office, which is representing Montoya, declined comment Monday. The shooting took place Feb. 3 at a home in Show Low, a small mountainous community about 180 miles northeast of Phoenix, the Navajo County Attorney's Office said in a statement. Emergency responders took the 13-month-old baby to a medical center in Show Low where she was pronounced dead, prosecutors said. Both the Navajo County Attorney's Office and Show Low police declined to comment further on the case. Montoya is being held on a $1 million bond. A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for March 6 in Navajo County Superior Court, the sheriff's office said. According to the city's website, Show Low is the largest city in the White Mountains with a population of about 12,000.
Yahoo
24-02-2025
- Yahoo
Indictment charges Arizona man in fatal shooting of his 1-year-old daughter
SHOW LOW, Ariz. (AP) — An Arizona grand jury has indicted a man in the fatal shooting of his 1-year-old daughter, and prosecutors say he carried out the crime with an AR-style rifle in front of the girl's mother. The indictment issued earlier this month charges Adam Joseph Montoya, 27, with two felony counts — second-degree murder and child abuse. Montoya has pleaded not guilty to the charges. The Navajo County Public Defender's Office, which is representing Montoya, declined comment Monday. See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. The shooting took place Feb. 3 at a home in Show Low, a small mountainous community about 180 miles (289.68 kilometers) northeast of Phoenix, the Navajo County Attorney's Office said in a statement. Emergency responders took the infant to a medical center in Show Low where she was pronounced dead, prosecutors said. Both the Navajo County Attorney's Office and Show Low police declined to comment further on the case. Montoya is being held on a $1 million bond.
