A Kewa Pueblo man has been sentenced to six months in federal prison followed by six months in a half-way house for his role in a disturbing case of child abuse.
Cruz Tenorio, a 29-year-old member and resident of Kewa Pueblo, N.M., was sentenced this afternoon to six months in federal prison followed by six months in a half-way house. He will then be on supervised release for a year.
According to court documents, Tenorio pleaded guilty on March 11, 2013, and admitted abusing a three-year-old Indian child in 2011 by negligently tattooing the letter “I” on the child’s arm.
The horrific act of abuse was committed using rudimentary, homemade instruments, tools, and unsterilized materials, which Tenorio admitted to in his guilty plea. Not only did he risk infecting the child, but he also acknowledged that he had no formal training in the application of tattoo body art.
During today’s sentencing hearing, Tenorio was ordered to pay restitution in an amount adequate to ensure that the child victim is able to obtain any psychological and medical services necessary arising from the offense, including the removal of the tattoo. He was also required to pay restitution to cover the costs of removing the tattoos he applied to another victim in March 2012, when the victim was 15 years old.
The case was investigated by the Southern Pueblos Agency of BIA’s Office of Justice Services and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Niki Tapia-Brito.
This case highlights the devastating consequences of child abuse and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. The community will be monitoring Tenorio’s progress and ensuring that justice is served.
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- Alfonso Navarrete, Child Sexual Abuse and Child Pornography, New Mexico 2017 · Ohio
Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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