Doa Ana County man accused of molesting young girl

A man accused of molesting a teenager turned himself in to detectives, a spokeswoman with the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Department said.

Gerald Chavez, 57, is charged with one count of “Criminal Sexual Penetration of a Child under 13” and two counts of “Criminal Sexual Contact of a Child under the age of 13.”

Deputies booked Chavez into the Doña Ana County Detention Center on a $50,000 cash bond.

The victim told detectives that the alleged incidents happened at Chavez’s home between April and November of this year. She reportedly told another family member about the incidents, who then notified the sheriff’s office.

During the investigation, detectives learned Chavez might have victimized other children, the sheriff’s office said.

Investigators are asking anyone who suspects Chavez was involved in similar incidents to contact the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Department immediately at (575) 525-8812.