Gabriel Chavez, 32, Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Child Sexual Abuse
ALBUQUERQUE—In a devastating case of child abuse, Gabriel Chavez, a 32-year-old non-Indian residing in Isleta Pueblo, N.M., was sentenced to 30 months in prison followed by ten years of supervised release. Chavez will also be required to pay $1,050.00 in restitution and register as a sex offender after completing his prison sentence.
According to the charges, Chavez was arrested on July 29, 2014, on a five-count indictment alleging that he sexually abused two Indian children between August 2012 and July 2013, in Isleta Pueblo in Bernalillo County, N.M.
Chavez was charged with abusive sexual contact involving a child victim between the age of 12 and 16 years, as well as abusive sexual contact involving a second child victim under the age of 12 years. He pleaded guilty to Count 1 of the indictment, admitting to engaging in sexual contact with a child victim which included touching the victim’s genitals and other parts of her body.
The case was investigated by the Southern Pueblos Agency of the BIA’s Office of Justice Services and the Isleta Pueblo Tribal Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Novaline D. Wilson prosecuted the case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.
Chavez’s conviction serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of child abuse and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their crimes. As part of his sentence, Chavez will be required to register as a sex offender, a move that will undoubtedly bring some measure of comfort to his victims and their families.
The investigation and prosecution of child abuse cases require a coordinated effort from law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and community organizations. In this case, the collaboration between the Southern Pueblos Agency, the Isleta Pueblo Tribal Police Department, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office was instrumental in bringing Chavez to justice.
As we continue to shine a light on the dark world of child abuse, it is essential that we prioritize the safety and well-being of our children. The conviction of Gabriel Chavez is a small but significant step towards creating a safer, more just society for all.
Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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