Mescalero Man Faces Federal Sexual Abuse Charges

ALBUQUERQUE – A Mescalero man is facing federal charges after allegedly engaging in sexual acts with a minor.

According to court documents, following a report made to the Bureau of Indian Affairs in February 2021, an investigation was initiated into Deverne Torres, Jr., 45, an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe. The complaint arose after a witness claimed to have seen Torres kissing and touching a minor and reportedly threatened the witness to keep quiet.

During a subsequent interview, the victim disclosed that Torres had engaged in sexual acts with them beginning when they were under the age of 12 and continuing for years.

Torres is charged with Aggravated Sexual Abuse and Sexual Abuse of a Minor and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted, Torres faces up t0 life 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.

The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jackson Dering is prosecuting the case.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs is seeking other potential victims of Torres. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Bureau of Indian Affairs at (575) 464-4479.

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