In a recent development, it has been reported that a 28-year-old man from Tucson, Arizona, by the name of Orlando Miguel Valenzuela, has pleaded guilty to Abusive Sexual Contact. Valenzuela, an enrolled member of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, admitted that as a young adult living on the reservation, he engaged in sexual acts with a minor who was 11 years old or younger. The plea agreement mandates that Valenzuela serves 5-10 years in federal prison. Following completion of his prison sentence, he will be placed on lifetime supervised release and will be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life. The investigation in this case was conducted by the Pascua Yaqui Police Department and the FBI.
Summary
Orlando Miguel Valenzuela, a 28-year-old man from Tucson, Arizona, has pleaded guilty to Abusive Sexual Contact. Valenzuela, an enrolled member of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, admitted to engaging in sexual acts with a minor who was 11 or younger when he was 18 or 19 years old and living on the Pascua Yaqui reservation. He will be sentenced on April 10, 2023, and the plea agreement requires him to serve 5-10 years in federal prison. After his prison sentence, Valenzuela will be placed on lifetime supervised release and be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life. The investigation was conducted by the Pascua Yaqui Police Department and the FBI, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Micah Schmit is handling the prosecution.
Background Information
Sexual abuse is a serious crime that can have lifelong consequences for the victims involved. It involves non-consensual sexual acts committed against someone without their consent or against someone who is unable to give consent due to their age or mental capacity. In this case, the defendant, Orlando Miguel Valenzuela, engaged in sexual acts with a minor who was 11 or younger. The victim’s age and the nature of the acts make this crime particularly heinous.
Details of the Case
Identity of the Defendant
The defendant in this case is Orlando Miguel Valenzuela, a 28-year-old man from Tucson, Arizona. He is an enrolled member of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe.
Age of the Defendant at the Time of the Offense
Valenzuela was 18 or 19 years old at the time of the offense.
Location of the Offense
The offense took place on the Pascua Yaqui reservation in Tucson, Arizona.
Age of the Victim
The victim of the sexual abuse was 11 or younger at the time of the offense.
Nature of the Sexual Acts
The specific details of the sexual acts have not been disclosed, but it is clear that Valenzuela engaged in sexual acts with a minor without their consent.
Connection to the Pascua Yaqui Tribe
Valenzuela’s enrollment in the Pascua Yaqui Tribe highlights the importance of tribal jurisdiction in cases involving crimes committed on reservations. Tribal law enforcement agencies often work alongside federal agencies to investigate and prosecute crimes that occur within tribal lands.
Plea Agreement and Sentencing
Guilty Plea
Orlando Miguel Valenzuela has pleaded guilty to Abusive Sexual Contact.
Sentencing Date
The sentencing of Valenzuela is scheduled for April 10, 2023.
United States District Judge
The case will be presided over by United States District Judge Cindy K. Jorgenson.
Penalty Length
As part of the plea agreement, Valenzuela is required to serve 5-10 years in federal prison.
Lifetime Supervised Release
After completing his prison sentence, Valenzuela will be placed on lifetime supervised release. This means that he will be closely monitored and required to adhere to strict conditions set by the court.
Sex Offender Registration
Valenzuela is also required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life. Sex offender registration is a legal requirement that aims to monitor the movements and activities of individuals convicted of sex offenses, in order to protect the community and potential future victims.
Impact on the Victim
Sexual abuse can have a devastating and long-lasting impact on the victims involved. The young age of the victim in this case adds to the severity of the crime and the potential harm caused. It is important for victims of sexual abuse to receive support and resources to aid in their recovery and healing process.
Investigation
Agencies Involved
The investigation into this case was conducted by the Pascua Yaqui Police Department and the FBI. This collaboration between tribal law enforcement and federal agencies is crucial in ensuring that crimes committed on tribal lands are thoroughly investigated and prosecuted.
Role of the Pascua Yaqui Police Department
The Pascua Yaqui Police Department played a key role in the investigation of this case. Tribal law enforcement agencies have jurisdiction over crimes committed within their reservation boundaries and work closely with federal agencies to ensure justice is served.
Role of the FBI
The FBI also played a significant role in the investigation of this case. Federal agencies often provide resources, expertise, and assistance in cases involving crimes committed on tribal lands, where tribal law enforcement agencies may have limited resources and jurisdiction.
Prosecution
Assistant U.S. Attorney
Assistant U.S. Attorney Micah Schmit of the District of Arizona is handling the prosecution of this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys are responsible for representing the United States in criminal cases and ensuring that justice is served.
District of Arizona
The District of Arizona encompasses the entire state and operates under the umbrella of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. It is responsible for prosecuting federal offenses, representing the United States in civil cases, and safeguarding the interests of the community.
Case Number
The case number for this specific case is CR-22-0682-TUC-CKJ (DTF).
Related Press Releases
The U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, has issued a press release titled “Tucson Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Abuse” on January 26, 2023. This press release provides detailed information about the case and the guilty plea entered by Valenzuela.
Contact Information
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, individuals can visit the official website at http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/.
To stay updated on the latest news from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, individuals can follow them on Twitter @USAO_AZ.
For any inquiries or further assistance, individuals can contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, through the following phone numbers:
- Phoenix: (602) 514-7500
- Tucson: (520) 620-7300
- Flagstaff: (928) 556-0833
- Yuma: (928) 314-6410