Amadius Archuleta, Aggravated Sexual Assault, New Mexico 2023

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - A Taos Pueblo man, Amadius Archuleta, 22, has been indicted for aggravated sexual assault. Archuleta will remain on conditions of release pending trial, which has not been scheduled.

According to the indictment and other court records, on July 2, Archuleta contacted a 14-year-old victim, identified as Jane Doe, through Instagram. Archuleta allegedly invited the victim to meet, then led her to an abandoned house to smoke marijuana and provided her with alcohol. Despite the victim telling Archuleta that she had only recently turned 14 years old, Archuleta allegedly initiated sexual contact with the victim. When the victim asked Archuleta to stop, he allegedly forcibly engaged in sexual conduct with her.

Jane Doe was taken to Holy Cross Hospital in Taos for examination, then transported to Solace Crisis Treatment Center in Santa Fe.

The alleged offense was committed in the Taos Pueblo, where both Archuleta and Jane Doe are enrolled members of the Pueblo of Taos.

An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Archuleta faces a minimum of 30 years and up to life in prison.

The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Taos Pueblo Department of Public Safety. Assistant United States Attorney Alexander F. Flores is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse.

Archuleta's case is a stark reminder of the dangers of online predators and the importance of protecting our children from exploitation. The Santa Fe Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office will continue to work tirelessly to locate and apprehend individuals who prey on our most vulnerable citizens.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-nm/pr/taos-pueblo-man-indicted-aggravated-sexual-assault