Mesilla man accused of molesting girl, allegedly admitted to molesting other children

A Mesilla Park man accused of molesting a girl was indicted on criminal sexual penetration charges Friday, said a spokesperson for the Dona Ana County District Attorney’s Office.

Gerald Chavez, 57, was indicted on one count of criminal sexual penetration of a minor, a first-degree felony and two counts of criminal contact of a minor, both third-degree felonies. The girl was under the age of 13.

According to investigators, the girl said the alleged incidents took place at the Chavez’s home between April and November of 2016. Chavez also allegedly admitted to molesting other children in the past.

Chavez faces a mandatory 18 years in prison for the first-degree felony and up to six years behind bars for each third-degree felony. He would also have to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.