Las Cruces, NM – Doña Ana County District Attorney Fernando R. Macias announces that a jury has returned a guilty verdict against Alan Duane Dodson on five counts of Criminal Sexual Penetration in the First Degree and one count of Criminal Sexual Contact in the Second Degree in his retrial for multiple felony sex offenses.
The case was re-tried following a previous proceeding that resulted in a hung jury. Today's verdict ensures that Alan Duane Dodson will be held responsible under the full extent of the law.
The victim, who was 10 years old when the abuse began, was related to Dodson through family ties. He was the victim's uncle due to a long-term relationship with the victim's aunt. Dodson exploited that trusted role within the family to carry out repeated acts of sexual abuse.
"Despite the challenges in prosecuting crimes of this nature, our office remains committed to helping survivors of sexual abuse find justice for the profound harm they have endured," said District Attorney Macias. "This case represents a tragic betrayal of trust and an unconscionable abuse of power by someone who should have been a protector, not a predator."
District Court Judge Richard M. Jacquez ordered Dodson taken into custody immediately following the conviction, granting the prosecution's request to remand him. Sentencing is scheduled for a later date, and Dodson could face over 100 years in jail, due to the severity of the charges. Dodson will remain in custody pending that hearing.
The case was prosecuted by Anne Swank and David McCardle, who secured the successful prosecution outcome at trial.
"It takes so much courage to tell your story to a room full of strangers. To do it twice is especially difficult," stated Anne Swank. "I'm extremely proud of our survivor and the loving, supportive family who stood by throughout this process."
The District Attorney's Office remains committed to pursuing prosecution on these difficult cases, and extends its gratitude to the investigative team, victim advocates, and prosecutors who worked diligently to bring this case to a conclusion. Finding justice for victims will always be our priority.
