Serving the High Plains

Man faces felony sex charges

A Tucumcari man faces four felony charges after being accused of having sexual contact with a child.

Fernando Samaniego, 42, remained in the Quay County Detention Center on Monday morning after being booked Thursday on three counts of criminal sexual penetration and one count of criminal sexual contact of a minor.

The complaint filed in magistrate court by Tucumcari Police Sgt. Shaun Slate offered few details, except that the victim was younger than 13 years old and it involved sexual contact with the child’s anus, mouth and genitals from August 2018 to Oct. 17, 2018.

Criminal sexual penetration is a first-degree felony that can lead up to life in prison and a $17,500 fine. Criminal sexual contact of a minor is a second-degree felony that can lead up to 15 years in prison and a $15,000 fine.

No defense attorney was listed for Samaniego in online court records.

 
 
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