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Fort Defiance Man Sentenced for Series of Abusive Incidents Against Child

Leonard Thomas Stewart, III, 24, of Fort Defiance, has been sentenced to 188 months in prison (approximately 15 and a half years), followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for Abusive Sexual Contact of a Child. The sentence, delivered by United States District Judge Michael T. Liburdi on June 17, 2024, follows Stewart’s guilty plea on October 31, 2023.

Stewart’s criminal activities occurred between October 3, 2017, and July 11, 2019, involving numerous instances of abusive sexual contact with a minor victim. One of the incidents took place in Fort Defiance while Stewart and the minor were riding horses together. Both Stewart and the victim are members of the Navajo Nation Indian Tribe, and the abusive actions occurred on the Navajo Nation Indian Reservation.

The case against Stewart was the result of a thorough investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Navajo Nation Police Department. The collaborative efforts of these agencies ensured that justice was served for the young victim. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christina J. Reid-Moore from the District of Arizona, Phoenix, prosecuted the case.


The sentencing underscores the federal authorities’ commitment to protecting children and ensuring that perpetrators of such heinous crimes are held accountable. The lifetime supervised release condition imposed on Stewart is designed to monitor his actions continuously and prevent any future offenses.

The Department of Justice has reiterated its dedication to combating child exploitation and abuse, particularly within vulnerable communities. This case highlights the importance of community vigilance and the role of law enforcement in bringing offenders to justice.

This sentencing serves as a stark reminder of the severe consequences awaiting those who exploit and abuse children. The federal justice system’s decisive action in Stewart’s case demonstrates a clear message: child abuse will not be tolerated, and offenders will face significant penalties for their actions.