Tohajiilee Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Child Sex Abuse Charge

ALBUQUERQUE—On October 5, 2012, Nathan R. Platero, 41, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation who resides in Tohajiilee, New Mexico, pled guilty to an information charging him with abusive sexual contact under a plea agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

U.S. Attorney Kenneth J. Gonzales said that, at sentencing, Platero faces up to 10 years of imprisonment, to be followed by a term of supervised release and to be determined by the court. Platero also will be required to register as a sex offender. Platero, who was arrested on January 3, 2012, remains in custody pending his sentencing hearing, which has not yet been scheduled.

During today’s plea hearing, Platero admitted that, between January 2005 through December 2006, he engaged in and attempted to engage in sexual contact with the child who had attained the age of 12 but had not attained the age of 16. Platero further admitted that the sexual contact consisted of the intentional touching the child victim’s genitals through her clothing. Court records reflect that the offense occurred in Platero’s residence in Tohajiilee, which is on the Navajo Indian Reservation.

This case was investigated by the Albuquerque Division of the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle T. Nayback.