ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Emerson Pinto, 58, of Crownpoint, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, pleaded guilty on Aug 11 in federal court to two counts of abusive sexual contact in Indian Country. Pinto will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled.
According to the plea agreement, between on or about Sept. 1, 2009, and Oct. 31, 2009, Pinto knowingly engaged in unlawful sexual contact with two girls who were under the age of 12 at the time of the offenses. Pinto admitted to touching the girls for sexual gratification at a home in Little Water, New Mexico, on the Navajo Nation.
Under the terms of his plea agreement Pinto faces up to eight years and one month in prison and will be required to register as a sex offender.
The FBI investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Novaline D. Wilson is prosecuting the case.
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