ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico – A Mescalero man is facing federal charges after allegedly engaging in sexual acts with a minor, according to a federal complaint filed in February 2021.
Deverne Torres, Jr., 45, an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, is accused of Aggravated Sexual Abuse and Sexual Abuse of a Minor, court documents state.
According to the complaint, a witness reported seeing Torres kissing and touching a minor and threatened the witness to keep quiet in February 2021.
During a subsequent interview, the victim disclosed that Torres had engaged in sexual acts with them beginning when they were under the age of 12 and continuing for years.
Torres will remain in custody pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted, he faces up to life in prison.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jackson Dering is prosecuting the case.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs is seeking other potential victims of Torres. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Bureau of Indian Affairs at (575) 464-4479.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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