Skip to main content
Press Release

Member of Navajo Nation charged with sexual abuse of minor in Indian country

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of New Mexico

            ALBUQUERQUE – Ryan Kee Jones, 25, of Yatahey, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, appeared in federal court on September 16, 2020, on a criminal complaint charging him with aggravated sexual abuse of a minor in Indian Country.

            According to the criminal complaint, during the spring of 2018, Jones sexually assaulted a minor, who was approximately 12-years old at the time. Over the next several months, according to the complaint, he allegedly sexually assaulted her multiple times. The abuse took place in Yatahey, New Mexico, in McKinley County, within the exterior boundaries of the Navajo Nation.

            Jones was arrested on Sept. 15. He is currently in custody pending a preliminary and detention hearing. Jones faces a mandatory minimum of 30 years’ imprisonment if convicted of the charged offense. 

            Criminal complaints are only allegations. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

            The Gallup office of the FBI investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer M. Rozzoni is prosecuting the case.

# # #

Contact

Scott Howell
Public Affairs Officer
Office of the U.S. Attorney
District of New Mexico
(505) 379-9888

Updated September 17, 2020

Topic
Indian Country Law and Justice
Press Release Number: 20-163