In a recent development, a Clarkdale resident named Damian Andrew Wathogoma has been sentenced to prison for sexually abusing a young child. Wathogoma, a 22-year-old member of the Yavapai-Apache Nation, was convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact with a Minor by a federal jury in March 2023. After being found guilty, Wathogoma was sentenced to 51 months in prison by United States District Judge Steven P. Logan. Additionally, he will be subject to lifetime supervised release. The incident occurred on the Yavapai-Apache Indian Reservation on or about December 11, 2021. The investigation was conducted by the Yavapai-Apache Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the prosecution being handled by the United States Attorney’s Office in Phoenix, Arizona. This case serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to combat and prosecute individuals who commit heinous crimes against children.
Summary
Damian Andrew Wathogoma, a 22-year-old resident of Clarkdale, Arizona, has been sentenced to 51 months in prison for sexually abusing a young child. He was convicted by a federal jury of Abusive Sexual Contact with a Minor in March 2023. Wathogoma abused a seven-year-old girl on the Yavapai-Apache Indian Reservation on December 11, 2021. He is an enrolled member of the Yavapai-Apache Nation. This case was investigated by the Yavapai-Apache Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and it was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona.
Background
Sexual abuse of minors is a heinous crime that can cause lifelong trauma to the victims. It is crucial for law enforcement agencies and prosecutors to work together to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice and victims are protected.
Case Details
Conviction
Damian Andrew Wathogoma was convicted by a federal jury of Abusive Sexual Contact with a Minor in March 2023. The evidence presented at trial revealed that he sexually abused a seven-year-old girl.
Sentencing
Wathogoma was sentenced by United States District Judge Steven P. Logan to 51 months in prison. This sentence reflects the seriousness of the crime and the harm caused to the victim.
Prison Term
After serving his prison term, Wathogoma will be subject to lifetime supervised release. This will ensure that he is closely monitored and will not have the opportunity to harm others in the future.
Supervised Release
Lifetime supervised release is an important aspect of the sentencing process for cases involving sexual abuse of minors. It allows for ongoing monitoring and support for the offender, as well as protection for potential future victims.
Victim and Location
Age of the Victim
The victim in this case was a seven-year-old girl. Sexual abuse of such a young child is especially tragic, as it can have severe long-term effects on their well-being and development.
Location of the Incident
The incident occurred on the Yavapai-Apache Indian Reservation. This location is significant because it falls within the jurisdiction of the Yavapai-Apache Nation and requires cooperation between tribal and federal law enforcement agencies.
Yavapai-Apache Nation
Damian Andrew Wathogoma is an enrolled member of the Yavapai-Apache Nation. This tribal affiliation is important in recognizing the jurisdictional complexities and the need for collaboration between tribal and federal authorities in addressing crimes committed on tribal lands.
Investigation
Yavapai-Apache Police Department
The Yavapai-Apache Police Department conducted the investigation into this case. Their dedicated work was crucial in gathering evidence and building a strong case against Damian Andrew Wathogoma.
Federal Bureau of Investigation
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) also played a significant role in the investigation. The FBI’s resources and expertise are crucial in cases of this nature, especially when crimes occur on tribal lands and involve federal jurisdiction.
Prosecution
United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona
The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, handled the prosecution of Damian Andrew Wathogoma. Their experienced prosecutors work diligently to hold offenders accountable and seek justice for victims of federal crimes.
Case Information
Case Number
The case number for Damian Andrew Wathogoma’s conviction is CR-22-08029-SPL.
Release Number
The release number for this case is 2023-079_Wathogoma.
Additional Information
Further details about the investigation and prosecution of Damian Andrew Wathogoma for sexually abusing a young child can be obtained from the United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona.
Contact Information
For more information about this case or other matters handled by the United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, you can contact the Public Affairs office:
Contact: Diana L. Varela Phone: (602) 514-7743 Email: diana.varela@usdoj.gov
Updated information regarding this case can be found on the United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona’s website.
Updated Date: May 30, 2023 Component: USAO – Arizona
Top
This comprehensive article highlights the case of Damian Andrew Wathogoma, who has been sentenced to prison for sexually abusing a young child on the Yavapai-Apache Indian Reservation. The article provides background information on the severity of the crime and the importance of prosecuting such cases. It outlines the details of the conviction, sentencing, prison term, and supervised release. The article also discusses the victim, the location of the incident, and the involvement of the Yavapai-Apache Nation. It further explores the investigation conducted by the Yavapai-Apache Police Department and the FBI, as well as the prosecution by the United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona. The case information, including the case number and release number, is provided for reference. The article concludes with additional information and contact details for further inquiries.