Mescalero Apache man sentenced for sexual assault of teen girl

MESCALERO, New Mexico (KVIA) -- Federal prosecutors say Thomas Lee Chaffins, 35, an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, received a 48-month prison sentence for the sexual assault of a 15-year-old girl.

"Upon his release from prison, Chaffins will be subject to five years of supervised release," a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico's Office stated.

Update (January 29, 2025): Federal prosecutors say that Chaffins pleaded guilty to sexual assault.

Court documents state that Chaffins sexually assaulted a 15-year-old girl on September 27, 2024 in Otero County, New Mexico on the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation.

Chaffins will remain in custody until his sentencing hearing, which has not yet been scheduled. He faces up to 15 years in prison.

ORIGINAL STORY (October 25, 2024): Officials in New Mexico charged 35-year-old Thomas Lee Chaffins by criminal complaint on multiple counts of sexual abuse for sexually assaulting a teenager.

Chaffins, who the U.S. Attorney General for the District of New Mexico's Office describes as an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, appeared before a federal judge earlier this month and is now awaiting trial.

Federal prosecutors accused Chaffins of "engaging in sexual acts" with the teenager, who was allegedly intoxicated at the time.

Chaffins would face up to life in prison if convicted.