Accused molester of girl enters plea

Copyright © 2009
Gallup Independent
By Phil Stake
Staff writer

GALLUP — Jamie Rios, 34, who is accused of molesting a 5-year-old girl, waived his right to a preliminary hearing Friday as part of plea agreement with the office of the district attorney.

Assistant District Attorney Bernadine Martin said Rios will stand trial at district court for two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor, a second-degree felony for which the minimum penalty is three years in prison per count. Rios initially faced three counts of criminal sexual penetration of a child under the age of 13, a first-degree felony.

Gallup Police arrested Rios Feb. 7 after the girl told her cousin that Rios had touched her inappropriately, at least twice, and that God would punish her if she told anyone.

She later said during a “safe house” interview that Rios had also shown her a pornographic movie.

Reporter Phil Stake can be reached at philip.stake@gmail.com, or by calling (505) 863-6811 x223.