BIA seeks charges against ex-Indian school coach
The Bureau of Indian Affairs is recommending criminal charges against a former assistant girls basketball coach at Santa Fe Indian School in New Mexico.

The BIA investigated alleged sexual activity between former coach J.R. Abeyta and a girls basketball player The incident allegedly occurred during the state playoffs, when the team stayed at the hotel owned by Sandia Pueblo near Albuquerque.

The BIA found enough information to recommend to the U.S. Attorney's Office in New Mexico that charges be brought against Abeyta for sexual abuse of a minor and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Alcohol was allegedly involved.

Abeyta, and his father, Johnny Abeyta, the head coach for the team, resigned abruptly on April 8 after allegations about the incident surfaced. Both men are from Ohkay Owingeh in northern New Mexico.

Get the Story:
SFIS assistant coach might face charges (The Santa Fe New Mexican 5/17)

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