ALBUQUERQUE – A harrowing case of child endangerment has reached its grim conclusion as Audriana Veneno, 23, an enrolled member of the Jicarilla Apache Nation from Dulce, N.M., stood guilty in a federal court on Thursday. The charges stem from an alleged incident that occurred on the Jicarilla Apache Indian Reservation in Rio Arriba County, N.M., back on November 6, 2014.
Veneno was apprehended in March 2015 after being indicted for assaulting a child under the age of 16. According to federal documents, Veneno’s actions that day placed the young victim in imminent danger to their life or health, an admission she made during today’s proceedings as she pled guilty to the charge of child abuse.
Should the judge hand down the maximum sentence, Veneno could be sentenced to three years behind bars. However, a date for her sentencing hearing has not yet been set. Assistant U.S. Attorney Raquel Ruiz-Velez is tasked with prosecuting this case, which was jointly investigated by the Farmington office of the FBI and the Jicarilla Apache Tribal Police Department.
This disturbing event has once again highlighted the need for robust child protection measures within Native American communities. The tribe’s commitment to justice and safety is unwavering, as evidenced by their cooperation with federal law enforcement in this case.
As the community awaits sentencing, many are left with questions about the future of Veneno and her rehabilitation, while others are relieved that a measure of closure has been reached for the victim and their family. The Jicarilla Apache Nation is expected to issue a statement on the outcome of the trial as soon as it becomes available.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the severity with which child abuse is treated under federal law and underscores the collaborative efforts between federal agencies and local tribes in ensuring justice for all victims, regardless of where they live or who they are.
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Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Public Corruption|Human Trafficking
- Source: Official Source ↗
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