An Arizona man has pleaded guilty to charges of sexual abuse after admitting to using threats and intimidation during the incident. According to court documents, Fernando Yatsatie, Jr., 47, a member of the Zuni Pueblo, unlawfully engaged in a sexual act with a victim in August 2021, causing the victim to fear for their safety.
Yatsatie faces a potential sentence of up to life in prison. If released, he will be subject to supervised release for at least five years and potentially for life.
The announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office. The investigation was conducted by the Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office with assistance from the Zuni Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Marshall is prosecuting the case.
“The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Zuni Police Department,” according to officials.
