Monica Mares, who gained notoriety for an incestuous relationship with her biological son, has been arrested again in Clovis, New Mexico, on suspicion of burglary and vandalism. The 66-year-old woman was taken into custody Sunday after allegedly breaking into a home, turning on the water to flood the property, and stealing kitchen countertops and light fixtures.
Mares told police she had no place to go and that thunder and lightning gave her headaches, according to Clovis Police Department Captain Roman Romero. The homeowner, who was out of town, has reportedly been a victim of three break-ins in the past three to four months, and a neighbor identified Mares as the suspect in each instance.
Virginia Pritchett, a friend of the homeowner, told The Post that the neighbor saw the back gate wide open and a light on inside the house, consistent with previous incidents. Pritchett also stated that the suspect seemed to know where to go and what to take, suggesting they unscrewed locks and removed items that a handyman had recently installed.
Pritchett learned of Mares's criminal history after the arrest, recalling past incidents including arson and theft while on methamphetamine. She expressed frustration with the justice system, stating, "It seems to me that the justice system is not doing enough to punish this woman."
Mares and her son, Caleb Paterson, were convicted of incest in March 2017 after entering no-contest pleas. They received three years of probation and were ordered to have no contact with each other. Mares has had multiple run-ins with the law since her 2016 arrest and has reportedly been homeless in Clovis. She is currently being held at the Curry County Adult Detention Center.