Taos Man Appears in Court Facing Charges Arising from Domestic Violence in Indian Country

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Richard Mascarenas, 36, of Taos, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Taos, made an initial appearance in federal court on May 25 facing charges of kidnapping, aggravated sexual abuse, assault resulting in serious bodily injury, and strangulation of an intimate partner. Mascarenas will remain in custody pending a preliminary and detention hearing scheduled for May 27.

The alleged offenses occurred on the Taos Pueblo.

A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Mascarenas faces up to 10 years in prison for assault resulting in serious bodily injury and strangulation of an intimate partner and up to life in prison for kidnapping and aggravated sexual abuse.

The Santa Fe Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office and the Taos Pueblo Department of Public Safety investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Novaline D. Wilson is prosecuting the case.

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