Local Man Found Guilty of Raping Child Over Multiple Years

Jaime Villanueva faces over 100 years in prison for child sex abuse convictions.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 2:50am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a child's stuffed animal, its fabric and features dramatically lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conveying a stark, gritty, and investigative aesthetic.The harsh flash illumination of a child's toy symbolizes the trauma of sexual abuse and the critical need for justice and accountability.Albuquerque Today

A Bernalillo County jury has found Jaime Villanueva guilty on seven child sex abuse counts, including criminal sexual contact, criminal sexual penetration of a child under 13, and criminal sexual penetration of a child ages 13 to 18. The abuse started when the victim was around 9 years old and continued until she was 13.

Why it matters

This case highlights the devastating impact of child sexual abuse and the critical role of the justice system in holding perpetrators accountable. The lengthy prison sentence Villanueva faces reflects the severity of his crimes and the importance of protecting vulnerable children in the community.

The details

According to prosecutors, the abuse began when the victim was around 9 years old and continued until she was 13. The victim later disclosed the abuse to a school counselor, who then notified law enforcement. The Bernalillo County District Attorney's Office Special Victims Unit pursued the case, which resulted in Villanueva's conviction on seven counts, including two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor, three counts of criminal sexual penetration of a child under 13, and two counts of criminal sexual penetration in the second degree involving a child ages 13 to 18.

  • The abuse started when the victim was around 9 years old.
  • The abuse continued until the victim was 13 years old.
  • The victim disclosed the abuse to a school counselor.
  • The Bernalillo County jury found Villanueva guilty on Monday, April 14, 2026.

The players

Jaime Villanueva

A local man who was found guilty of raping a child over multiple years.

Bernalillo County District Attorney's Office

The prosecutor's office that pursued the case against Villanueva, with the Special Victims Unit demonstrating 'extraordinary dedication, resilience, and compassion' in their work.

Sam Bregman

The Bernalillo County District Attorney who praised the work of the Special Victims Unit in this challenging case.

The victim

A child who was sexually abused by Villanueva over the course of several years, starting when she was around 9 years old.

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What they’re saying

“Our attorneys in the Special Victims Unit demonstrate extraordinary dedication, resilience, and compassion every single day. The work they do is among the most challenging in the legal profession. They do not give up, no matter how difficult the case, no matter the obstacles, because they understand what is at stake for victims and survivors.”

— Sam Bregman, Bernalillo County District Attorney

What’s next

Villanueva will be sentenced at a later date, where he could face over 100 years in prison for his crimes.

The takeaway

This case serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating impact of child sexual abuse and the critical importance of a justice system that is dedicated to holding perpetrators accountable and protecting vulnerable children in the community.