Member of Pueblo of Jemez faces charges of sexual abuse of a minor

              ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Edward Ray Loretto, 39, an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Jemez, made an initial appearance in court on Oct. 1 pursuant to a two-count federal indictment charging one count of aggravated sexual abuse and one count of sexual abuse of a minor.

              According to the indictment, on July 27, 2020, Loretto allegedly forcibly sexually assaulted the victim, who was then between 12 and 16 years of age.  According to a criminal complaint filed prior to the grand jury’s indictment, the assault took place at the victim’s home on the Pueblo of Jemez after Loretto and another individual provided alcohol to the victim.

              A federal arrest warrant was issued for Loretto on Aug. 17. The University of New Mexico Police Department arrested Loretto on Sept. 24, and the FBI subsequently took custody.

              An indictment is only an accusation. A defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Loretto faces a minimum of 30 years and up to life in prison.

              The FBI and the Pueblo of Jemez Police Department investigated this case.  Assistant U.S. Jennifer M. Rozzoni is prosecuting the case.