FARMINGTON – A woman accused of molesting a juvenile nine years ago is headed to trial, according to the New Mexico Attorney General’s Office.
Brandy Stevens is accused of seven first-degree felonies of sexually assaulting, abusing and molesting a child between 2005 and 2010. San Juan County Magistrate Court Judge Rena Scott found probable cause during preliminary hearings to allow the charges to move forward. The victim was 6 years old at the time the abuse is said to have started.
Three others are charged with sexually molesting and assaulting the child during the same time period, according to the Attorney General’s Office. Bennie Wabbington, Casey Stallings and Michael Stevens all face multiple accusations of first-degree felony criminal sexual penetration.
Last month, a judge found probable cause that Wabbington, Brandy Stevens’ ex-boyfriend, also molested the child. Michael Stevens’ preliminary hearing is scheduled before the end of the year in San Juan County, and Stallings is in bench-warrant status.
Three out of the four defendants are listed as Farmington residents, while Brandy Stevens is listed as an Albuquerque resident. The abuse is said to have occurred in Farmington, at Brandy Stevens’ residence.
The cold case was investigated by the Farmington Police Department and state’s Attorney General’s Office. Charges were first filed in early July.
According to the Attorney General’s Office, the now 16-year-old, still a minor, testified at the preliminary hearings in Farmington.
“I commend the bravery of the young survivor in this case, who has testified against her abusers, and I look forward to achieving justice on her behalf,” said Attorney General Hector Balderas in a written statement.
While a trial date has yet to be set, Stevens faces up to 126 years in prison if convicted of all seven felony counts.
lweber@durangoherald.com
