New Mexico man convicted of sexually abusing girl outside church

CIBOLA COUNTY, NM (KRQE) – A 75-year-old Pine Hill man has been sentenced to prison for sexually assaulting a 7-year-old girl outside a church in 2022, according to the Department of Justice.

Tony Jake Jr., an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, approached the girl as she was playing outside a church she attended with her grandmother. Jake separated the girl from the other children and sexually abused her.

Jake confessed his actions to an FBI agent during questioning and later pleaded guilty to one count of sexual abuse. Jake was sentenced to four years in prison. Upon his release, he must serve five years of probation and register as a sex offender.