Man accused of abusing 14-year-old from TikTok is found hiding in her closet, feds say

A man is facing prison time after pleading guilty to sexually abusing a 14-year-old girl in New Mexico, federal officials said.

Jordian Pacheco, a 33-year-old enrolled member of the Pueblo of Santo Domingo, met the girl on TikTok, according to the criminal complaint.

Pacheco, who was 29 years old at the time of the alleged assault, told the girl he was 18 years old, the complaint said.

McClatchy News reached out to Pacheco’s lawyer on Aug. 26 for a statement and was awaiting a response.

In 2021, Pacheco got into the girl’s Navajo Nation home through the window when her mom wasn’t there, according to the criminal complaint and an Aug. 26 news release by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Pacheco sexually abused the girl, then slept in her closet because “it was too late” for him to go home, documents said.

The following morning, the girl’s sister found Pacheco, officials said.

Officers arrived at the home after the girl’s mother told police there was a man hiding in her daughter’s closet, officials said.

He gave officers a fake identity and was transported to the Window Rock Adult Detention Center, prosecutors said.

He later told officers he engaged in sexual acts with the girl and lied about his age, officials said.

Pacheco faces 63 years to 78 years in prison when sentenced, officials said.

After being released, he will be subject to no less than five years and up to life of supervised release and must register as a sex offender, officials said.

This story was originally published August 26, 2024 at 3:18 PM with the headline "Man accused of abusing 14-year-old from TikTok is found hiding in her closet, feds say."