NAVAJO MAN FROM PUEBLO PINTADO, N.M., INDICTED ON FEDERAL CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE CHARGES

ALBUQUERQUE – Nathan Thomas, 43, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation who resides in Pueblo Pintado, N.M., was arraigned in federal court in Albuquerque, N.M., on July 16, 2019, on an indictment charging him with three counts of aggravated sexual abuse and one count of abusive sexual contact.  Thomas was ordered detained pending trial during a detention hearing held this morning.

            Thomas was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 12, 2019, and the FBI arrested him on July 11, 2019. 

According to the indictment, Thomas allegedly engaged in or attempted to engage in a sexual act with a child under the age of 12 years on three occasions between 2007 and 2010, and allegedly had sexual contact with the child one occasion during the same time period.  The indictment alleges that Thomas committed the crimes in Indian Country in San Juan County. 

            Thomas faces up to life in prison if convicted of the charged offenses.  Charges in indictments are only allegations.  A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

            The Gallup office of the FBI investigated this case.   Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison Jaros is prosecuting the case.