Taos Pueblo Man Charged with Multiple Counts of Sexual Abuse of Children

ALBUQUERQUE – A Taos Pueblo man has been charged by indictment with multiple counts of sexual abuse against three minors.

Ben John Martinez, 75, an enrolled member of the Taos Pueblo, appeared before a federal judge today to be informed of the eleven count federal indictment he faces.

According to the indictment, between September 2001 and October 2010, Martinez engaged in sexual acts with three children whose ages ranged from five to thirteen years old at the time of the abuse.  If convicted of the current charges, Martinez faces not less than 30 years in prison.

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

The Santa Fe Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Taos Pueblo Department of Public Safety. Assistant United States Attorney Alexander Flores is prosecuting the case.  The FBI continues to investigate Martinez’s involvement in crimes against other victims.  If you have reason to believe you or someone you know may be a victim, please call the FBI at (505) 889-1300 or Chief Summer Mirabal of the Taos Pueblo Department of Public Safety at (575) 741-0764.

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

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