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Navajo Man Guilty of False Statement to FBI
A 74-year-old man from the Navajo Nation has pleaded guilty to making a false statement to the FBI. Benson Pete, a resident of Gamerco, New Mexico, was arrested on June 3, 2014, on an indictment charging him with two counts of sexual abuse of a child under the age of 12.
Pete was accused of committing the abuse between January 1, 2013, and March 31, 2013, in Indian Country in McKinley County, New Mexico. However, it was not his initial charges that he pleaded guilty to, but rather a separate count of making a false statement to a law enforcement agency.
According to the terms of a plea agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Pete will be sentenced to a range of 12 to 33 months in federal prison, followed by a period of supervised release to be determined by the court.
During his guilty plea, Pete admitted to providing false information regarding the aggravated sexual abuse of a victim to the FBI on July 30, 2013. He also withdrew any claims that he was coerced by an FBI agent, stating that the statements he made were voluntarily made.
This case was investigated by the Gallup office of the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elaine Y. Ramirez and Raquel Ruiz-Velez. The case is a reminder that making false statements to law enforcement can have serious consequences.
Pete’s guilty plea brings an end to a long and complex case, which has been ongoing for several years. The case serves as a warning to those who may be tempted to make false statements to law enforcement, and highlights the importance of honesty and cooperation with the authorities.
The investigation and prosecution of Pete’s case were a collaborative effort between the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The outcome of the case is a testament to the commitment of these agencies to seeking justice and holding individuals accountable for their actions.
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Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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