Dulce Man Charged in Child Sex Abuse Scandal

Dulce Man Charged with Multiple Counts of Sexual Abuse of Children

ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico – Herbert Ben, Jr., a 54-year-old Dulce man, was charged by indictment with multiple counts of sexual abuse against two minors under the age of 12.

According to the indictment, between July 2018 and October 2020, Ben engaged in sexual acts with two children who had not attained the age of 12 years. This heinous act is a stark reminder of the horrors that many children face at the hands of predators like Ben.

Ben, an enrolled member of the Jicarilla Apache, appeared before a federal judge today and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled. If convicted of the current charges, Ben faces not less than 30 years and up to life in prison.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Jicarilla Apache Police Department and Bloomfield Police Department.

Assistant United States Attorneys Caitlin L. Dillon and Timothy Trembley are prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The investigation and subsequent charges bring a sense of relief to the community, but also serve as a stark reminder that there is still much work to be done to protect our children from predators like Ben.

The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as more information becomes available.

Ultimately, the people of New Mexico demand justice for the victims of child sex abuse, and it is the duty of law enforcement to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.