ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico – A Mescalero man was sentenced to 48 months in prison for sexually assaulting a teen 20 years his junior.
Thomas Lee Chaffins, a 35-year-old enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, committed the heinous crime on September 27, 2024. The underage victim was a 15-year-old girl on the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation at the time of the assault.
Chaffins will be subject to five years of supervised release upon his release from prison, which has no parole in the federal system. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in New Mexico announced the sentencing today.
U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Phillip Russell, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant United States Attorney Alyson Hehr is prosecuting the case.
Chaffins will serve his 48-month prison sentence for the sexual assault of a minor. This case highlights the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their crimes, especially those that involve the abuse of vulnerable victims.
As we work to create a safer and more just society, it is crucial that we take allegations of sex crimes seriously and provide support to victims and their families. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to protecting the rights of all individuals and ensuring that those who commit crimes are held accountable.
The case was investigated by the Las Cruces Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office, with assistance from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant United States Attorney Alyson Hehr is prosecuting the case.
Defendant’s Name: Thomas Lee Chaffins
Criminal Charges: Sexual Assault of a Minor
City and State: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Exact Date: September 27, 2024
Sentence or Outcome: 48 months in prison, five years of supervised release
Defendant’s Age: 35
Related Federal Cases
- Michael Ellis Treas-Baca, Sexual Assault, New Mexico 2024 · New Mexico
- Daniel Pete Valdez, Sexual Abuse of a Minor, New Mexico 2023 · New Mexico
- Ferguson Pierce, Sexual Assault, New Mexico 2024 · New Mexico
- Royce Wade Lander, Transportation of a Minor with Intent to Engage in Criminal Sexual Activity, New Mexico 2023 · Washington
- Jeremy Blueeyes, Abusive Sexual Contact with a Minor, New Mexico 2024 · New Mexico
Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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