Newcomb Man Charged with Sexual Assault of a Minor

ALBUQUERQUE – A Newcomb man has been charged in federal court with sexually assaulting a minor.

According to court documents, between July and August 2025, Raymond Lapahie, 18, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, allegedly engaged in multiple sexual acts with a minor.

Lapahie is charged with two counts of aggravated sexual abuse by use of force and one count of abusive sexual contact. He will remain in custody pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted of all charges, Lapahie faces up to life in prison, a minimum of five years of supervised release upon release from prison, and mandatory sex-offender registration.

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 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 U.S. Attorney Jesse Pecoraro is prosecuting the case.

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

This press release was posted November 14, after the end of the federal government shutdown.