Lathem Eskeets, Sex Abuse of Minors, New Mexico 2024

A disturbing case of child abuse has come to light in Gallup, New Mexico, with a local man being sentenced to 10 years in prison for sexually abusing two minors.

Lathem Eskeets, 30, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was found guilty of engaging in sexual acts with the minors between August 2012 and August 2013, while living at their mother's residence near Church Rock, New Mexico.

The victims, identified as Jane Doe, who was younger than 12 at the time, and another minor who was older than 12 but younger than 16, suffered at the hands of Eskeets, who will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.

The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Department of Investigation and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary C. Jones is prosecuting the case.

According to court documents, the abuse was committed over a period of one year, with Eskeets engaging in sexual acts with the minors while living in their mother's residence. The case highlights the importance of vigilance in protecting our children from predators.

The federal system offers no parole, meaning that Eskeets will serve his full 10-year sentence without the possibility of early release. This sentence serves as a reminder that those who abuse children will be held accountable for their crimes.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, made the announcement today.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-nm/pr/gallup-man-sentenced-sexual-abuse-minors