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Press Release

Bloomfield Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Abuse

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of New Mexico

ALBUQUERQUE – A Bloomfield man faces up to life in prison after admitting in federal court to sexually abusing an incapacitated victim.

According to court records, between February 26 and February 27 of 2016, Donovan Pete, 44, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, engaged in and attempted to engage in a sexual act with an incapacitated victim.

Pete pleaded guilty to one count of sexual abuse. At sentencing, Pete faces up to life in prison. Upon his release from prison, Pete will be subject to not less than five years and up to life of supervised release and must register as a sex offender.

U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement 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 Attorney Brittany DuChaussee is prosecuting the case.

Updated July 23, 2025

Topic
Indian Country Law and Justice
Press Release Number: 25-247