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Probation Officer Sentenced for Sex Assault
Gordon Chavez, a 36-year-old former probation officer with the New Mexico Corrections Department’s Division of Probation and Parole, has been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for sexually assaulting a woman under his supervision.
Chavez pleaded guilty to one count of violating the victim’s right to bodily integrity by touching her breasts against her will and one count of making material false statements to the FBI when he denied touching the breasts of females he supervised and asking for naked photos of them.
“Every person who interacts with the criminal justice system should feel safe in law enforcement custody,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Jocelyn Samuels. “The Justice Department will vigorously prosecute all law enforcement officers who abuse their authority by committing sexual assaults. We commend the victim for coming forward to report the defendant’s criminal conduct.”
According to court documents, Chavez engaged in escalating sexually inappropriate behavior toward the victim since May 2012. During a mandatory meeting on November 26, 2012, Chavez fondled the victim’s breast through and underneath her shirt without her consent. He later apologized for his actions, which were captured on a recording.
Chavez also instructed the victim to bring revealing photos of herself on her cellular phone to the next office visit scheduled for November 30, 2012. When the victim brought clothed photos, Chavez specifically asked her to bring naked photos.
This case was investigated by the Albuquerque Division of the FBI and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark T. Baker and Trial Attorney Fara Gold of the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico.
“An assault on one person’s civil rights is an assault on everyone’s civil rights,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Carol K.O. Lee. “When a law enforcement officer is the perpetrator, the crime is even worse. The FBI hopes this sentencing sends a message to all public servants: We will vigorously investigate those who use their authority to violate another person’s rights, and you could face a stiff prison term.”
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Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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