A man from Taos Pueblo has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for sexually abusing minors, according to an announcement by Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office.
Ben John Martinez, 76, an enrolled member of the Taos Pueblo, admitted to three counts of sexual abuse of children. Court documents state that between 2001 and 2010, Martinez used his position of authority within the community to commit these offenses during traditional ceremonies and at his home on the pueblo.
"There is no parole in the federal system."
After serving his sentence, Martinez will be under supervised release for ten years and must register as a sex offender.
The case was investigated by the Santa Fe Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office with help from the Taos Pueblo Department of Public Safety. Assistant United States Attorney Brittany J. DuChaussee is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood. This initiative was launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to address child sexual exploitation and abuse by coordinating resources across federal, state, and local agencies. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at Justice.gov/PSC.
Authorities continue to investigate whether Martinez may have committed other crimes against additional victims. The FBI encourages anyone who believes they or someone they know may be a victim to contact their office at (505) 889-1300 or Chief Summer Mirabal at (575) 741-0764.
