Theodore Ian Chavez, IV, Domestic Violence, New Mexico 2024

Mescalero Man Sentenced for Domestic Violence

A Mescalero man is behind bars after a federal jury convicted him of domestic violence resulting in strangulation and assault of his intimate partner. Theodore Ian Chavez, IV, was sentenced to 90 months in prison for the crime.

According to the evidence presented at trial, on August 6, 2023, Chavez repeatedly strangled his partner, resulting in the loss of consciousness and visible bruises. The victim, who wishes to remain anonymous, sought medical attention immediately after the assault.

The medical records indicate that the victim had difficulty talking, eating, and drinking fluids due to the strangulation. She also suffered from bruises, redness, petechiae, and venous congestion.

At trial, the victim described the severe pain she experienced during the assault and how she thought she was going to die. Chavez was on top of her, squeezing her neck and screaming that it was her fault.

The federal jury convicted Chavez on February 28, 2024, following a four-day trial. U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

After completing his term of imprisonment, Chavez will be required to serve 3 years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated the case with the assistance of the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joni Autrey Stahl and J. Kirk Williams prosecuted the case.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-nm/pr/mescalero-man-sentenced-domestic-violence-0