San Felipe man sentenced for sexual abuse of minor

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Published June 9, 2025 - 12:02 p.m. Modified June 30, 2025 - 11:33 a.m.

SAN FELIPE — A San Felipe man was sentenced to 13 years in federal prison for sexually abusing a young girl, according to a June 4 release from the United States District Attorney.

According to court records, on Aug. 1 and 15, 2022, Vernon Chavez, 62, an enrolled member of the San Felipe Pueblo, inappropriately touched an 11-year-old girl over her clothing.

Upon his release from prison, Chavez will be subject to 15 years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender.