Kelbert Jay Nez, Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor, Arizona 2013

State: Arizona
Category: Sex Crimes
Source: <a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-az/pr/navajo-man-sentenced-180-months-imprisonment-sexual-abuse" style="color:#cc0000;" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">DOJ Press Release â†—

PHOENIX – A Navajo man has been sentenced to 180 months in prison for the sexual abuse of two minor victims. Kelbert Jay Nez, 22, of Leupp, Arizona, pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced by U.S. District Judge G. Murray Snow on April 1, 2013.

Nez was charged with two counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a minor, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 2241(c) and one count of sexual abuse, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 2242(2). The victims, ages 10 and 13 at the time of the abuse, were subjected to the offense on the Navajo Reservation.

The investigation into Nez’s crimes was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassie Bray Woo handled the prosecution.

According to the indictment, Nez’s crimes were a serious breach of trust and a betrayal of the community’s faith in him. The Navajo Nation and local law enforcement agencies have expressed their commitment to protecting children from such crimes.

Nez’s sentence is a stark reminder that those who commit such heinous crimes will be held accountable. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, will continue to work tirelessly to bring perpetrators to justice and ensure the safety of our children.

The case number is CR-12-8103-PCT-GMS, and the release number is 2013-026_Nez. For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit www.justice.gov/usao/az/.

The Navajo Nation and local communities are breathing a sigh of relief now that justice has been served. However, this case serves as a stark reminder that there is still much work to be done to eradicate such crimes from our society.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, will continue to work with local law enforcement agencies to ensure that those who commit such crimes are brought to justice and that our children are protected from such harm.

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