A Tohatchi man has been charged with sexual abuse of a minor after he allegedly sexually abused three minors.
According to court documents, Bryon Yazzie Jr., 22, sexually abused three minor victims between August and November of 2020. He was 19 years old at the time.
Yazzie allegedly met the first victim, a minor who was between the ages of 12 and 16, through Facebook and began a sexual relationship with them sometime in August. On Oct. 20, 2020, Yazzie engaged in a sexual act with a second victim. The victim told Yazzie “no” and that they did not want to have sex with him, however Yazzie used his size and weight to threaten the victim. On Nov. 5, 2020, Yazzie engaged in a sexual act with a third victim. Yazzie gave them alcohol, causing them to become intoxicated and incapable of participating in the sexual act.
On Nov. 26, 2020, the second victim disclosed to a family member that Yazzie had assaulted them two days prior. During a subsequent interview with law enforcement, Yazzie admitted to sexually abusing the victim.
Yazzie was indicted by a grand jury on June 15, 2022.
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, announced on Aug. 3 that Yazzie had been sentenced to 20 years in prison. Yazzie pled guilty to sexual abuse of a minor, sexual abuse and aggravated sexual abuse on March 23.
Upon his release from prison, Yazzie will be subject to supervised release for life and must register as a sex offender.
The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin L. Dillon is prosecuting the case.
Staff Reports
