FBI News:

ALBUQUERQUE — Richard Mascarenas, 36, of Taos and an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Taos, made an initial appearance in federal court May 25.

Mascarenas faces charges of kidnapping, aggravated sexual abuse, assault resulting in serious bodily injury, and strangulation of an intimate partner.

The alleged offenses occurred on the Taos Pueblo.

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.

A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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.