Hareldo Horse, Sexual Assault, New Mexico 2013

A shocking crime has shaken the community in Kirtland, New Mexico. Hareldo Horse, a 31-year-old enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, has pleaded guilty to a federal charge of sexual assault, a crime that carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

The victim was sexually assaulted on October 20, 2012, in a location within the Navajo Indian Reservation. Horse was arrested on March 11, 2013, and has been in federal custody ever since.

During his plea hearing, Horse admitted to inappropriately touching the victim's genitals at a time when the victim was physically incapable of declining to participate in the sexual act.

Horse remains detained pending his sentencing hearing, which has yet to be scheduled. As part of his plea agreement, he will also be required to register as a sex offender.

The case was investigated by the Farmington office of the FBI and the Shiprock office of the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Mysliwiec is prosecuting the case.

Horse's guilty plea is a significant step towards justice for the victim and the community. The exact date and details of his sentencing hearing have yet to be announced.

We will continue to follow this case and provide updates as more information becomes available. In the meantime, we urge anyone who may have information about this crime to come forward and cooperate with law enforcement.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-nm/pr/kirtland-nm-man-pleads-guilty-federal-sexual-assault-charge