Organ Mountain News report

ALBUQUERQUE - A Mescalero man has been charged in federal court with sexually assaulting a minor under 16.

According to court documents, John Albert Carrillo Jr., 35, an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, allegedly assaulted the minor and was witnessed committing the act. When confronted, Carrillo reportedly became agitated, denied wrongdoing and attempted to flee.

Carrillo is charged with aggravated sexual abuse and sexual abuse of a minor. He will remain in federal custody pending a trial date, which has not yet been set. If convicted, he could face up to life in prison.

Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and FBI Special Agent in Charge Raul Bujanda of the Albuquerque Field Office announced the charges.

The case was investigated by the FBI's Las Cruces Resident Agency, with assistance from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jackson K. Dering V is prosecuting.

The U.S. Attorney's Office stressed that a criminal complaint is an allegation only. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.