Taos Pueblo Man Sentenced for Horrific Sexual Abuse of Minors

ALBUQUERQUE – A chilling case out of the Taos Pueblo community has led to a man being sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for the heinous crime of sexual abuse against minors. Ben John Martinez, 76, an enrolled member of the Taos Pueblo, has been handed down this severe sentence after pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual abuse of children.

Martinez, who exploited his traditional role within the community, was caught between 2001 and 2010 for taking advantage of minors during significant ceremonies and at his residence on the Taos Pueblo. The severity of his actions has resulted in a no-parole sentence under federal law.

The FBI’s Santa Fe Resident Agency, with assistance from the Taos Pueblo Department of Public Safety, investigated this case with relentless determination. Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Albuquerque Field Office, announced Martinez’s fate today. Upon release, he will face ten years of supervised release and a lifetime requirement to register as a sex offender.

This sentence is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide Department of Justice initiative aimed at fighting child sexual exploitation and abuse. Assistant United States Attorney Brittany J. DuChaussee leads the prosecution in this case, emphasizing the federal government’s commitment to protecting children from predators like Martinez.

The FBI remains vigilant regarding any further involvement by Martinez in crimes against other victims. The agency urges anyone with information or suspicion to come forward. To report potential victims or suspects, call the FBI at (505) 889-1300 or Chief Summer Mirabal of the Taos Pueblo Department of Public Safety at (575) 741-0764.