A man from Taos Pueblo has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for sexually abusing minors, according to an announcement from Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office.
Ben John Martinez, 76, an enrolled member of the Taos Pueblo, admitted to using his position of authority within the community to abuse minors between 2001 and 2010. The abuse occurred during traditional ceremonies and at his residence on the Taos Pueblo. Martinez pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual abuse of children.
Upon completion of his prison sentence, Martinez will be required to serve ten years of supervised release and register as a sex offender. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by the Santa Fe Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office with assistance 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, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 that focuses on combating child sexual exploitation and abuse by coordinating resources among federal, state, and local agencies. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at Justice.gov/PSC.
The FBI continues its investigation into whether Martinez may have committed crimes against other victims. Individuals who believe they or someone they know may have been affected are encouraged to contact the FBI at (505) 889-1300 or Chief Summer Mirabal of the Taos Pueblo Department of Public Safety at (575) 741-0764.
“There is no parole in the federal system.”
