U.S. Attorney’s Office Secures 18 Year Sentence for Ohkay Owingeh Man Convicted of Torturing Child

ALBUQUERQUE – An Ohkay Owingeh man has been sentenced to 18 years in prison, the statutory maximum, for the torture of a five-year old child over a seven-week period in 2021.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, between May and July 2021, Christopher Marquez, 34, an enrolled member of the Ohkay Owingeh tribe, physically abused and tortured a 5-year-old child, resulting in great bodily harm including arm fractures, multiple rib fractures, internal bleeding, organ lacerations, and extensive bruising. The severe injuries were in various stages of healing and inflicted as part of a broader pattern of abusive conduct against the child. 

Upon his release from prison, Marquez will be subject to 3 years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez made the announcement today.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Mark A. Probasco and Matthew J. McGinley are prosecuting the case.

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