Harold Martinez, Child Abuse, New Mexico 2014

ALBUQUERQUE – Harold Martinez, 32, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation who resides in Pine Hill, New Mexico, was sentenced to 16 months in federal prison for his child abuse conviction, followed by a year of supervised release.

The incident occurred on June 11, 2013, when Martinez initiated a physical confrontation with another Navajo man. The victim attempted to leave the scene by driving his vehicle, but Martinez retaliated by ramming his own vehicle into the victim’s vehicle multiple times. Two young boys were in Martinez’s vehicle at the time of the incident.

According to the criminal complaint, Martinez’s actions posed a significant risk to the lives and health of the children, who were unrestrained in his vehicle. Fortunately, the children were not injured in the incident.

Martinez entered a guilty plea to a child abuse charge on March 11, 2014, admitting to driving his vehicle into another vehicle without justification, which put the children in a situation that endangered their lives or health.

The case was investigated by the Ramah Navajo Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob A. Wishard.

Martinez’s sentence is a result of his guilty plea to the child abuse charge. His 16-month prison sentence will be followed by a year of supervised release. The sentence is a consequence of his actions, which put the lives of two young boys at risk.

The case serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing the safety and well-being of children. The Ramah Navajo Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico are committed to holding individuals accountable for their actions and ensuring that justice is served.

Mandatory Facts: Defendant: Harold Martinez; Crime: Child Abuse; City and State: Pine Hill, New Mexico; Exact Date: June 11, 2013; Sentence: 16 months in federal prison followed by a year of supervised release.

Related Federal Cases