Chinle Man Earlson Tso Gets 9 Years for Sexually Abusing Minor

Earlson Tso, 39, of Chinle, Ariz., is headed to federal prison for 108 months after pleading guilty to abusive sexual contact with a minor. The sentence, handed down yesterday by U.S. District Judge Douglas L. Rayes, marks the end of a years-long investigation into the violent violation of a young member of the Navajo Nation.

The crime unfolded in June 2016, when the victim — a minor and enrolled tribal member — reported being inappropriately touched by Tso while asleep. The assault occurred within tribal jurisdiction, triggering federal involvement due to the nature of the crime and the victim’s status as an Indian under federal law.

Tso, also a member of the Navajo Nation, exploited a moment of vulnerability to carry out the attack. His actions triggered an immediate response from Navajo Nation Criminal Investigations, which partnered with the Federal Bureau of Investigation to build a case capable of withstanding federal prosecution.

The investigation peeled back layers of trauma suffered by the victim, whose courage in coming forward helped secure Tso’s guilty plea. Prosecutors emphasized the breach of trust and the long-term psychological scars inflicted on the child, arguing for a sentence that reflected the severity of the crime.

Kiyoko Patterson, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona in Phoenix, handled the prosecution. She underscored the federal government’s commitment to protecting Native children on tribal lands, where violent crimes often go underreported and underprosecuted.

The case, numbered CR-16-8227-PCT-DLR, was officially closed with yesterday’s sentencing. Tso will begin serving his 9-year term immediately, with no parole available under federal law. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, released the news under number 2018-018_Tso.