Newcomb Man Faces Federal Charges in Alleged Minor Assault
Federal prosecutors charged an 18 year old Newcomb man with multiple counts of sexual abuse of a minor stemming from alleged incidents in July and August 2025. The case, investigated by the FBI with Navajo Nation law enforcement, has heightened concern among San Juan County residents and underscores the role of federal and tribal cooperation in serious criminal matters.
Raymond Lapahie, 18, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation and a resident of Newcomb, was charged in federal court on November 14 with two counts of aggravated sexual abuse by use of force and one count of abusive sexual contact for alleged conduct occurring between July and August 2025. Authorities said Lapahie will remain in custody pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled.
If convicted on all counts, Lapahie faces a potential sentence of up to life in prison, a minimum of five years of supervised release after any term of imprisonment, and mandatory sex offender registration. The charging announcement was issued by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Mexico and the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office. The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office led the investigation with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jesse Pecoraro will prosecute the case.
The public notice reiterated a core legal principle, stating "A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law." The press release was posted on November 14 after the federal government shutdown ended, signaling a rapid resumption of public filings in sensitive cases.
For San Juan County residents, the charges bring immediate concerns about safety, victim support, and the intersection of tribal and federal justice systems. Newcomb and neighboring communities are likely to watch the case closely for its legal outcome and for the ways law enforcement agencies coordinate across jurisdictions. The involvement of both federal agents and Navajo Nation investigators reflects ongoing patterns of cooperation in cases that raise serious criminal and community welfare issues.
The filing also highlights broader challenges facing Indigenous communities across the United States, where allegations of violent crimes against minors can strain local resources and trust in institutions. With trial dates not yet set, officials have emphasized the need to balance community protection and support for any victims while upholding constitutional protections for the accused.