MAN FROM TOADLENA, N.M. CHARGED WITH AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ABUSE IN INDIAN COUNTRY

ALBUQUERQUE – Garrith Bitsilly, 32, of Toadlena, N.M., appeared in federal court yesterday on charges of aggravated sexual abuse and abusive sexual contact in Indian Country. 

According to a criminal complaint, Bitsilly allegedly committed numerous acts of sexual abuse against the victim, who was less than 12 years old, over the course of about seven months in 2014.  The victim was staying at Bitsilly’s home in San Juan County during this time while the victim’s mother was deployed to Afghanistan with the military.  Bitsilly is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation. 

Criminal complaints are merely accusations.  A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.   Bitsilly is currently on release to a halfway house pending trial.  He faces from 30 years to life in prison if convicted of aggravated sexual abuse.  Bitsilly faces up to life in prison if convicted of abusive sexual contact.

The Farmington office of the FBI investigated this case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Elisa C. Dimas is prosecuting the case.