Sex assault probe nears end
FBI investigating accusations against Navajo Police officer

Copyright © 2009
Gallup Independent
By Phil Stake
Staff writer

CROWNPOINT — The FBI is nearing the end of its investigation of Navajo Police Officer Lawrence Etsitty, who is accused of using his authority to arrest then sexually assault a woman while transporting her to Crownpoint jail Jan. 25.

“The case has been referred to the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division,” Albuquerque-based FBI spokesman Todd Hulsey wrote in an e-mail.

The Civil Rights Division will weigh the evidence collected by FBI investigators before deciding whether or not to prosecute Etsitty, and for what charges.

Navajo Police Acting Chief Steve Nelson said Tuesday that Etsitty has been placed on civilian duty pending results of the investigation. Nelson said Navajo Police Department launched a parallel, Internal Affairs investigation the same day the FBI began its investigation. NPD’s investigation is still under way.

Etsitty arrested the woman, whose name is withheld to protect her identity, while she was drunk and surrounded by family at Fire Rock Casino about 2 a.m. Jan. 25. Etsitty arrested her on false battery charges, according to the victim and her family. He placed her in his NPD-issued SUV and set out for Crownpoint. About half-way there, Etsitty allegedly pulled off the road and sexually assaulted her — while she was still in handcuffs.

Etsitty finally decided to take her home about 3:30 a.m., according to the victim, who is a Gallup resident. Once in Gallup, the victim said she deceived Etsitty, asked him to stop at an apartment complex so she could use the bathroom behind a trash can. Etsitty acquiesced and, with some cajoling, agreed to remove her handcuffs. The woman went behind the trash can, removed her shoes so she could step quietly and started running. Once home she contacted Gallup Police and filed a report.

Reporter Phil Stake can be reached at philip.stake@gmail.com, or by calling (505) 863-6811 x223.