An Albuquerque resident is now at the center of a disturbing legal battle, facing an extensive list of grave charges related to the alleged child sexual abuse of multiple children over an extended period, marking a significant criminal case in New Mexico.

Francisco Agosto, 40, stands accused of 59 rape charges, alongside multiple counts of sexual assault, child abuse, and the manufacturing of child sexual abuse material. These accusations highlight a deeply concerning pattern of alleged criminal conduct within the Albuquerque crime landscape.

Court documents reveal that the alleged abuse involved five children, who are reported to be relatives of Agosto. The charges detail instances of forced or coerced criminal sexual penetration, some involving victims under the age of 13, underscoring the severity of the child abuse allegations.

Beyond the acts of abuse, Agosto is also charged with bribing witnesses and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, painting a picture of deliberate efforts to silence the victims. Harrowing accounts include allegations of strangulation in some instances, intensifying the gravity of the sexual assault accusations.

Following a criminal complaint and a grand jury indictment, a state district judge has ordered Agosto to be held without bond until his trial. He was admitted to the Metropolitan Detention Center on July 14, underscoring the severity of the rape charges and the perceived flight risk within the New Mexico justice system.

Prosecutors emphasized the “repulsive pattern of conduct” and “sexual violence against children,” asserting that Agosto poses “a serious danger to the victims and to any child unfortunate enough to be in his vicinity.” The alleged abuse reportedly occurred as frequently as three times a week, revealing a prolonged criminal case.

The children involved, who had a history of frequent moves between Texas and New Mexico before settling in Albuquerque, were not previously known to the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department. One brave accuser shared her story with a detective, citing Agosto’s alleged threats as the reason for her prolonged silence, a common challenge in child abuse cases.

This criminal case underscores critical issues surrounding child protection, the complexities of reporting abuse, and the judicial system’s role in addressing such egregious crimes within communities. It brings to light the hidden struggles many vulnerable children face, particularly in the context of persistent Albuquerque crime challenges.