Derrick Mason, Aggravated Sexual Abuse, New Mexico 2015

Aggravated Sexual Abuse Conviction Rocks Navajo Nation Community

A shocking case of aggravated sexual abuse has sent shockwaves through the Navajo Nation community, with a 24-year-old man from Fruitland, New Mexico, pleading guilty to the heinous crime.

Derrick Mason, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, appeared in federal court on September 21, 2015, to enter his guilty plea to an indictment charging him with aggravated sexual abuse, assault resulting in serious bodily injury, and aggravated burglary in Indian Country.

According to the plea agreement, Mason's crimes unfolded on the evening of October 16, 2015, when he visited the victim's house in Nenahnezad, New Mexico. He turned off the circuit breakers and used the opportunity to enter the home, where he hid until the victim fell asleep.

At approximately 1:00 a.m., Mason dragged the victim to the side of the bed and subjected her to a brutal sexual assault. He punched her in the face several times and strangled her until she lost consciousness, leaving her with serious bodily injury.

The attack occurred within the exterior boundaries of the Navajo Nation in San Juan County, and Mason is currently in custody, pending sentencing, which has yet to be scheduled.

By the terms of the plea agreement, Mason faces a 17-year prison sentence for his heinous crimes. The case was investigated by the Farmington office of the FBI, the Navajo Nation Criminal Investigations unit, and the Navajo Nation Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Raquel Ruiz-Velez is prosecuting the case.

The Navajo Nation community is reeling from the news of Mason's guilty plea, and many are calling for greater awareness and action to prevent such crimes from occurring in the future.

Mandatory facts: Defendant/Derrick Mason, exact criminal charges/Aggravated Sexual Abuse, Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, Aggravated Burglary, City and State/Fruitland, New Mexico, Exact Date/October 16, 2015, Sentence/17 years in prison.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-nm/pr/member-navajo-nation-pleads-guilty-aggravated-sexual-abuse-indian-country