Former Executive Officer For Southern Ute Indian Tribe Indicted For Sexual Assault On A Child

DURANGO – United States Attorney Jason R. Dunn today announced that McKean Walton, age 51, of Ignacio, Colorado, was indicted on multiple charges stemming from the alleged sexual assault of a child on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation.  According to publically available information, Walton was the Executive Officer for the Southern Ute Indian Tribe.

The indictment was returned on September 1, 2020, charging Walton with two counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a child in Indian Country, and one count of sexual abuse of a minor in Indian Country.  The indictment alleges that the conduct took place between 2009 and 2011.  

Walton made his initial appearance today by video-teleconference from the La Plata County Detention Facility before U.S. Magistrate Judge James Candelaria.  He was advised of his rights and the charges pending against him.  A detention hearing is scheduled for September 10, 2020.  If convicted on the counts alleged in the indictment, Walton faces a mandatory minimum sentence of thirty years imprisonment.   

The charges are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

This case was investigated by the FBI. 

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado.  Related court documents can be found on PACER by searching for Case Number 20-cr-260.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.