Arizona Man Charged with Aggravated Sexual Abuse

ALBUQUERQUE – An Arizona man faces federal charges for engaging in sexual acts with a child under the age of 12 over a seven-year period. Cedric Martinez, 30, of Round Rock, Arizona, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, appeared in federal court for an initial appearance where the Court temporarily detained him pending a detention hearing, which is scheduled for March 27, 2024.

The indictment alleges that between May 2009 and May 2012, Martinez engaged in sexual acts with a child who had not yet reached the age of 12 years.  It further alleges that between May 2012 and May 2016, Martinez engaged in sexual acts with a child who had attained the age of 12 years, but had not attained the age of 16, by using force, threats, and instilling fear.

Martinez is charged with five counts of aggravated sexual abuse. If convicted, Martinez faces a minimum sentence of 30 years up to life in prison.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, announced the charges today.

The Farmington Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorneys Brittany DuChaussee and Meg Tomlinson are prosecuting the case.

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

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