A 75-year-old Taos Pueblo man has been charged with multiple counts of child rape, leaving a trail of trauma and fear in its wake.
Ben John Martinez, an enrolled member of the Taos Pueblo, appeared before a federal judge yesterday to face an 11-count federal indictment. If convicted, Martinez faces a minimum of 30 years in prison for his heinous crimes against three minors.
According to the indictment, Martinez engaged in sexual acts with the children between September 2001 and October 2010. The victims were just five to thirteen years old at the time of the abuse.
The investigation was led by the Santa Fe Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, with assistance from the Taos Pueblo Department of Public Safety. Assistant United States Attorney Alexander Flores is prosecuting the case, and the FBI continues to investigate Martinez’s involvement in crimes against other victims.
The FBI urges anyone who may be a victim or have information about Martinez’s crimes to come forward. Victims can contact the FBI at (505) 889-1300 or Chief Summer Mirabal of the Taos Pueblo Department of Public Safety at (575) 741-0764.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and Martinez is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. But for the victims, the trauma and pain caused by Martinez’s actions will be a lifelong battle.
Taos Pueblo, a small town in New Mexico, is now grappling with the devastating consequences of Martinez’s crimes. The community is rallying around the victims, offering support and resources to help them heal.
As the investigation continues, the FBI is urging anyone with information to come forward. The message is clear: justice will be served, and Martinez will be held accountable for his heinous crimes.
The Taos Pueblo community is demanding justice for the victims and an end to the silence that has shrouded these crimes for so long.
The case is a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and protection of our children. We must work together to create a safe and supportive environment for all.
The investigation is ongoing, and the FBI will continue to work tirelessly to bring Martinez to justice.
View the Indictment:
https://www.usdoj.gov/usao/nm/press/2023/2023-03-xx-press-release.pdf
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Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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