Vernon Rydell Sanchez, Child Sex Abuse, New Mexico 2026

Defendant Charged with Child Sex Abuse

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – A Zuni man is facing federal charges for allegedly sexually abusing two minors. Vernon Rydell Sanchez, 38, an enrolled member of the Zuni tribe, has been charged with two counts of abusive sexual contact.

According to court records, on or about February 9, 2026, the Zuni Tribal Police Department was notified of allegations that Sanchez sexually abused two minors. The minors were subsequently forensically interviewed and both disclosed sexual contact by Sanchez on multiple occasions. Law enforcement later interviewed Sanchez, who denied the allegations.

The Gallup Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Zuni Tribal Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron O. Jordan is prosecuting the case.

Sanchez will remain in third party custody pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted of the current charge, Sanchez faces up to three years in prison.

Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Sanchez’s case is a stark reminder of the importance of protecting our children from predators. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that those who harm our children are held accountable.

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