MAN FROM TOHATCHI, N.M. PLEADS GUILTY TO KIDNAPPING

            ALBUQUERQUE – Ryan Thompson, 32, of Tohatchi, N.M., pleaded guilty today in federal court to charges of kidnapping and aggravated sexual abuse in Indian Country. 

           According to court documents, Thompson, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, kidnapped a woman and child from a gas station in Gallup on November 15, 2017.  He drove them to another location and forced the woman to drink alcohol. When Thompson briefly left the area, the woman tried to escape by driving way.  Thompson stopped her, pulled her out of the car, and beat her. 

            Thompson sexually abused the woman in front of the child.  He also threatened to kill the woman and child.  Thompson held them in his car overnight before taking them to a home where they stayed another night.  On November 17, 2017, Thompson stole property from another residence.  At that time, the woman drove away in her car with the child.  She encountered police a short time later.  Emergency responders took her to the hospital for treatment of her injuries, including a broken nose.

            At sentencing, Thompson faces from 15 to 20 years in prison.  The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Spindle is prosecuting the case.