Three arrested on numerous charges during traffic stop

On Jan. 8 at 10:12 p.m., Payson Police Officer Buckner conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle near the 500 block of S. Beeline Highway.

The occupants of the vehicle, identified as Lauren Whitehurst, 23, Yolonda Renteria, 36, and Ernie Montoya, 32,  all from the Albuquerque, New Mexico area, were found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia, and a stolen firearm.

Furthermore, multiple identification cards, social security cards and credit cards, which did not belong to them, were located in their possession.

Located in the bed of the truck they were driving was a large number of stereo and camera equipment that is suspected of being stolen. Additionally, the temporary license plate, attached to the vehicle, is believed to be fraudulent.

Due to the broad scope of the investigation, Payson Police detectives were called in to assist.

The investigation, at this point, has also yielded a social security card that was confirmed to be stolen during a robbery in Isleta, New Mexico. The firearm was also stolen during a burglary in Tucumcari, New Mexico. Other items were found to be stolen from associates of Montoya in the Albuquerque area.

Payson Police detectives are in contact with investigators from other jurisdictions including New Mexico and Arizona as the case is ongoing. At this time, there is no information that these suspects stole items from the Payson area.

Whitehurst was booked into the Gila County Jail on charges of possession of narcotic drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia, and weapons misconduct.

Renteria was booked on charges of possession of narcotic drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia, weapons misconduct, and forgery.

Montoya was booked on charges of possession of drug paraphernalia, weapons misconduct, and aggravated identity theft.

Additional charges may be requested from the County Attorney’s Office as the investigation continues. All three suspects remain in custody at the Gila County Jail.