TO’HAJIILEE, N.M. — Christian Apachito, a 28year-old enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, has been sentenced to 67 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to sexual abuse of a minor, according to an announcement by Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office.
Apachito's guilty plea, which was entered on February 15, 2023, was related to an incident that occurred on November 11, 2020, when he was 25 years old in To’hajiilee. Court documents revealed that Apachito sexually assaulted a minor who was younger than 16 but older than 12 years old at the time. In his plea agreement, Apachito acknowledged his awareness of the victim's minor status during the assault.
The court's sentencing decision took into account the use of force during the assault, resulting in a determined sentencing range of 135 to 168 months (approximately 11 to 14 years) of imprisonment. Despite a recommended sentence of 144 months (12 years) by the United States, Apachito received a 67-month sentence, equivalent to approximately five years and seven months. Additionally, he was handed a ten-year period of supervised release and will be obligated to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.
This case was investigated by the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, with collaboration from the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly Bell led the prosecution.
Christian Apachito's sentencing serves as an outcome of federal efforts to address cases involving the sexual abuse of minors. Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative, has been instrumental in identifying and prosecuting individuals who exploit children online. The project, launched in May 2006, aims to protect child victims and hold perpetrators accountable.
For more information about Project Safe Childhood and its mission, visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/.