Joseph Arquero, Sexual Abuse of a Minor, New Mexico 2023

ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico - An Albuquerque man has been charged with a heinous crime that has left a community shaken. Joseph Arquero, a 50-year-old enrolled member of Isleta Pueblo, has been accused of engaging in or attempting to engage in a sexual act with a child who had not yet attained the age of 12 years.

The alleged abuse occurred between January 2022 and May 2023, according to federal prosecutors. If convicted, Arquero faces a prison sentence of 30 years to life.

Arquero is currently being held on conditions of release in the third-party custody of La Pasada Halfway House pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated the case with assistance from the Isleta Police Department.

Assistant United States Attorney Meg Tomlinson is prosecuting the case, which is a stark reminder of the importance of protecting our children from predators. The community is outraged by the allegations, and many are calling for justice to be served.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. This case serves as a reminder that child abuse is a serious crime that will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

The alleged victim and their family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. We urge anyone with information about this case to come forward and assist the authorities in bringing Arquero to justice.

Defendant: Joseph Arquero, 50, an enrolled member of Isleta Pueblo.

Criminal Charge: Sexual abuse of a minor.

City and State: Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Date: January 2022 - May 2023.

Sentence or Outcome: If convicted, faces 30 years to life in prison.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-nm/pr/us-attorney-and-fbi-charge-albuquerque-man-sexual-abuse-minor