A man from Mescalero, New Mexico, has been charged with federal sexual abuse offenses following an investigation by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Deverne Torres, Jr., 45, a member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, is accused of engaging in sexual acts with a minor over several years.
Court documents state that the investigation began in February 2021 after a report was made to the Bureau of Indian Affairs. A witness claimed to have seen Torres kissing and touching a minor and alleged that Torres threatened them to remain silent. The victim later told investigators that Torres had engaged in sexual acts with them starting when they were under 12 years old.
Torres faces charges of Aggravated Sexual Abuse and Sexual Abuse of a Minor. He will stay in custody until his trial date is set. If convicted, he could face up to life imprisonment.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge at the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office, announced the charges. The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office led the investigation with help from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jackson Dering is prosecuting.
Authorities are seeking additional information about other possible victims connected to this case. The Bureau of Indian Affairs encourages anyone with relevant information to call (575) 464-4479.
“A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.”
