A man from Pinehill, New Mexico, has been indicted on federal charges for allegedly sexually abusing two minors over a period of seven years. Court documents state that TJ James, 41, who is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, is accused of engaging in sexual acts with two minor victims between February 2017 and February 2023.
James faces four counts of sexual abuse, one count of abusive sexual contact, and two counts of aggravated sexual abuse. He will remain in custody until his trial date is set. If convicted, he could face a minimum sentence of 30 years and up to life in prison.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, announced the indictment.
The case was investigated by the Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office with help from the Ramah-Navajo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Mondragon is prosecuting 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 bringing together federal, state, and local resources to locate and prosecute offenders and rescue victims. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at Justice.gov/PSC.
"An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law."
