Man Indicted in Long Running Abuse Case, Local Agencies Involved
A Pinehill man was federally indicted for alleged sexual abuse of two minors over a seven year period, prompting an investigation by the FBI and local police that highlights federal involvement in serious crimes in McKinley County. The indictment carries potential penalties of 30 years to life if convictions occur, and the case is being prosecuted under a federal child protection initiative that brings outside resources to rural communities.
Federal prosecutors announced on November 20, 2025 that a Pinehill resident, 41 year old TJ James, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was indicted on multiple federal charges for sexual abuse of two minors. According to court documents, the alleged conduct occurred between February 2017 and February 2023. James faces four counts of sexual abuse, one count of abusive sexual contact, and two counts of aggravated sexual abuse.
The indictment was announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office. The case was investigated by the Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office with assistance from the Ramah Navajo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Mondragon is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood. The press release was posted November 20, 2025.
James remains in federal custody pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted on the charges as alleged in the indictment, he faces no less than 30 years and up to life in prison. As with all indictments, the documents note that the charges are allegations and that defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
For McKinley County residents the case underscores several practical and social implications. The involvement of the FBI and federal prosecutors signals a transfer of investigative and prosecutorial resources into a rural area where tribal and local law enforcement often operate with limited budgets. Federal cases can mean access to specialized investigative tools and victim resources that may not be available through local channels. The use of Project Safe Childhood reflects a national priority to coordinate federal, state, local and tribal partners in cases involving alleged sexual harm to minors.
The multi year timeframe alleged in the indictment may intensify community concern and calls for support services. Cases of this nature can strain local victim support networks and prompt renewed attention to prevention, reporting and victim assistance. Coordination between the FBI, the Ramah Navajo Police Department and federal prosecutors will be central to how the investigation and prosecution proceed, and may set a pattern for future cooperation on similar cases in McKinley County.
Legal proceedings will unfold in federal court, and the scheduling of a trial will determine next steps. Until then community members and service providers will be watching for developments that affect victim safety, law enforcement cooperation, and the allocation of resources to address complex investigations in rural and tribal communities.
