An Arizona man has pleaded guilty to sexual abuse after admitting to engaging in a sexual act with a victim through threats and intimidation.
Court documents indicate that Fernando Yatsatie, Jr., 47, who is a member of the Zuni Pueblo, committed the offense in August 2021. The victim was placed in fear during the incident.
Yatsatie faces up to life in prison at sentencing. After serving his sentence, he will be subject to supervised release for at least five years and possibly up to life.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, announced the plea.
The case was investigated by the Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office with support from the Zuni Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Marshall is handling prosecution.
