A man from Taos Pueblo has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for sexually abusing minors. Ben John Martinez, 76, used his authority within the Taos Pueblo community to commit these crimes between 2001 and 2010. The abuse occurred during traditional ceremonies and at his residence on the Taos Pueblo.
Martinez pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual abuse of children. After serving his sentence, he will face ten years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office.
The investigation was led by the Santa Fe Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office with help from the Taos Pueblo Department of Public Safety. Assistant United States Attorney Brittany J. DuChaussee is prosecuting the case under Project Safe Childhood, a national initiative started by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to address child sexual exploitation and abuse. The program brings together federal, state, and local resources to find, arrest, and prosecute individuals who exploit children online and to help rescue victims. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at Justice.gov/PSC.
Authorities continue to investigate whether Martinez committed other crimes against additional victims. Anyone with information or concerns about possible victims is encouraged to contact the FBI at (505) 889-1300 or Chief Summer Mirabal of the Taos Pueblo Department of Public Safety at (575) 741-0764.
