ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Thomas Wabnum, 70, of Albuquerque, and a member of the Potawatomi Tribe (Kansas), made his initial appearance today in federal court on an indictment of aggravated sexual abuse in Indian Country.
According to the indictment, on July 6, 2019, Wabnum allegedly engaged in a sexual act with the victim, who was incapacitated at the time, by using force. The alleged incident occurred on the Jicarilla Apache Nation.
An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Wabnum faces up to life in prison.
The FBI investigated this case with assistance from the Jicarilla Apache Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison C. Jaros is prosecuting the case.