N.M. man indicted for allegedly fondling girl while drinking at her mom’s house

A grand jury indicted a man who allegedly touched a 7-year-old girl inappropriately while he was having drinks at her mother’s home in Anthony, N.M.

Mirsha Barraza-Puga, 30, faces multiple counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor, according to Doa Ana County District Attorney Mark D’Antonio.

In a news release issued Friday, D’Antonio’s office said while having drinks at the mother’s home in January, Barraza-Puga kept excusing himself and would walk down the hall toward the girl’s bedroom, where she was watching television.

The mother said around 3 a.m., her daughter came out of the room and accused Barraza-Puga of touching her inappropriately. That’s when, according to prosecutors, Barraza-Puga took off running. He was arrested by Doa Ana County Sheriff’s deputies later.

Barraza-Puga faces up to six years in prison if convicted, according to the news release.