A former governor of a New Mexico Pueblo, who was appointed earlier this month as the state’s Indian Affairs Department’s chief, including its specialized taskforce addressing crimes against Indigenous girls and women, has been accused of rape from 2007.
The Santa Fe New Mexican reported that James Mountain was indicted for kidnapping, aggravated battery and sexual assault the following year after his ex-girlfriend had accused him of such an act. The case was dismissed by prosecutors in 2010 because they said there wasn’t enough evidence to allow Mountain to go on trial.
Mountain did not respond immediately to The Associated Press’ request for an interview.
A spokesperson for New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson said that, on Friday, while calls for Mountain to recuse herself from the nomination continued to be made by state leaders and activists, the governor was “aware” of these allegations. Michelle Lujan Grisahm, a spokesperson for New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez, said that the governor is “aware” about the allegations against Mountain. However, she does not plan to withdraw her nomination.
Maddy Hayden, in a press release, said: “We hope those who raise concerns will respect the judicial system and acknowledge its results.”
Lujan Grisham announced early in February that Mountain would be the next secretary of Indian affairs for the state. She cited his history as a Pueblo de San Ildefonso leader. Mountain served as governor from 2006-2007 and again between 2015-2017.
The state Senate Rules Committee has not yet confirmed his appointment.
Antoinette Lopez, a Democratic state senator, told the Santa Fe New Mexican the allegations against Mountain must be “fully vetted.”
She said, “I am very concerned by the idea that someone with his record would be overseeing the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives Task Force.”
Angel Charley, executive Director of the Albuquerque Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women and the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women told the newspaper Friday that she met Mountain in mid-February, and asked him to recuse. Charley said Mountain refused to recuse himself.
