3 Arrested after Home Invasion Robbery

Monday, April 11, 2016 at 12:00 AM

The victims believed that one of the males was Cory their neighbor. Deputies made contact with the neighbor, Cory Redding and friends Dillon Smith and Jacob Sandoval. Detectives responded to assist with the investigation and after interviews all three males confessed to their part in the robbery of the two elderly females. During the interviews detectives learned that Cory Redding and Jacob Sandoval entered the victim’s home armed with an airsoft gun and metal baton while Dillon Smith stayed outside to be a lookout in case police were called.

From the San Juan County Sheriffs Office:

On April 10, 2016, deputies responded to the 700 block of County Road 6100 in reference to a home invasion. The victims reported that two males entered their home through the back door armed with a gun. One victim who was wheel chair bound stated that one male cycled a fire arm then pointed it at her demanding money. The two males took turns rummaging through the house looking for goods. At one point they forced an 81 year-old lady to lie face down on the bed so she couldn’t call the police before they left.

During the interviews detectives learned that Cory Redding and Jacob Sandoval entered the victim’s home armed with an airsoft gun and metal baton while Dillon Smith stayed outside to be a lookout in case police were called.

A search warrant was served at the suspect’s house where all the money and jewelry that was stolen was recovered and returned to the victims.

19 year-old, Cory Redding of Fruitland, NM, was charged with Armed robbery (2nd Degree)(with the use of a firearm, Tampering with Evidence (highest crime committed is a 2nd degree felony)(3rd Degree) and False imprisonment (4th Degree) he was booked into San Juan County Detention Center and is being held on $40,000.00 cash/surety bond.

18 year-old, Jacob Sandoval of Fruitland, NM, was charged with Accessory to commit armed robbery (2nd Degree)(with the use of a firearm) and Tampering with Evidence (highest crime committed is a 2nd degree felony)(3rd Degree) he was booked into San Juan County Detention Center and is being held on $30,000.00 cash/surety bond.

18 year-old, Dillon Smith of Fruitland, NM, was charged with Accessory to commit armed robbery (2nd Degree)(with the use of a firearm) he was booked into San Juan County Detention Center and is being held on $20,000.00 cash/surety bond.

More from Local News

Navajo Nation agrees (again) to help fund N-36/NM 371 Intersection Improvements

The agreement authorizes NDOT to transfer $2,790,647 to NMDOT to administer procurement and construction of the NM371/N36 Intersection Improvement Project. This long-needed project will include roadway widening and the installation of a traffic signal and lighting system designed to reduce accidents, improve traffic flow, and enhance overall public safety for residents, school buses, emergency responders, and travelers who rely on this heavily used corridor.
Racing Commission Approves SunRay Move to Clovis

The move will not affect the 2026 racing season in San Juan County. Live racing is scheduled for April 17 – May 24, 2026. San Juan County has previously said that McGee Park and the San Juan County Fairgrounds would not be impacted by any changes at the casino and horse racing track.
*Update* Arrest Made in Child's Death

The suspect, John Hannon, the child’s father, was arrested on 2/9/26 on unrelated charges. He was served with the following charges while at the San Juan County Adult Detention Center:
90 Dogs Rescued in Bloomfield

The rescue effort also received substantial financial support, from various donors. This outside support significantly reduced the financial impact on local resources and ensured the operation did not place a major burden on San Juan County taxpayers.
Resident Dies after House Fire N. of Aztec

Crews arrived to find a structure on fire and the occupant inside. Despite a quick response from fire crews and efforts by San Juan County Sheriff’s Deputies, one occupant was removed from the structure by firefighters and transported to the hospital by San Juan Regional Medical Center EMS. The occupant was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Diné College Selects New President

Dr. Jackson-Dennison, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation (Diné), brings nearly four decades of experience in educational leadership, with a career dedicated to advancing Indigenous sovereignty, self-determination, and academic excellence. Her leadership reflects a unique ability to integrate Indigenous knowledge systems with Western academic frameworks, a hallmark of her scholarship and professional practice.