Bryon Yazzie, Jr., Sexual Abuse, New Mexico 2020

Bryon Yazzie, Jr., a 21-year-old man from Tohatchi, New Mexico, has pleaded guilty to sexual abuse of a minor, a crime that occurred in Indian Country.

According to the plea agreement, Yazzie engaged in sexual acts with a minor who had attained the age of 12 but had not yet attained the age of 16, between August 2020 and November 2020. At the time of the abuse, Yazzie was 19 years old and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation.

Yazzie faces up to 15 years in prison for sexual abuse of a minor and any term of years up to life for sexual abuse and aggravated sexual abuse. Upon his release from prison, he must register as a sex offender.

The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin L. Dillon is prosecuting the case.

Yazzie will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled.

The guilty plea was announced by Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office.

Bryon Yazzie, Jr. is accused of committing a heinous crime that will have a lasting impact on the victim and their loved ones. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that justice is served.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-nm/pr/navajo-man-pleads-guilty-sexual-abuse-minor-indian-country-0