A man from Nageezi has been charged with sexual abuse and abusive sexual contact in Indian Country. Patrick Wayne Platero, 46, who is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, appeared before a federal judge. He will remain in the third-party custody of La Pasada halfway house until his trial date is set.

The indictment states that between January 1, 2024, and April 30, 2024, Platero allegedly sexually abused and engaged in abusive sexual contact with Jane Doe. If found guilty, he could face life imprisonment followed by a minimum of five years to life on supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced the charges today.

The case was investigated by the Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office with help from the Navajo Nation Department of Investigation and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Meg Tomlinson is handling the prosecution.

It is important to note that an indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.