FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) - The Latest on the FBI search for potential victims of sex abuse by Arizona man (all times local):
Noon
The attorney for a man accused of sexual abuse in a sweat lodge says he’s surprised the FBI is “trolling” for victims.
The FBI says it believes others might have been victimized by Fydel Jones as far back as 2002. It’s asking potential victims to fill out an online questionnaire.
Authorities say Jones approached a Canadian tourist and her friends on the Havasupai (hav-uh-SU’-peye) reservation in May, offering to conduct a sweat lodge ceremony. Once inside the small hut, authorities say Jones sexually assaulted a woman.
Jones has pleaded not guilty to several charges of abusive sexual contact and theft. He’s scheduled for trial next year.
Jones’ attorney, John Trebon, declined comment Friday on the criminal case. But he says soliciting potential victims is a dangerous practice that could procure false claims.
1 a.m.
The FBI is casting a wide net for potential victims of sexual abuse by a man who lives on a remote Arizona reservation world-renowned for its blue-green waterfalls.
Fydel Jones, of Supai, has pleaded not guilty to charges of abusive sexual contact and theft. He’s scheduled to go on trial next year.
According to the FBI, Jones approached a Canadian tourist and her friends on the Havasupai (hav-uh-SU’-peye) reservation in May and offered to conduct a sweat lodge ceremony. Once in the small mud hut, authorities say Jones sexually assaulted a woman.
FBI Special Agent Brian Fuller says the agency has reason to believe others might have been victimized as far back as 2002.
Jones’ attorney, John Trebon, did not immediately return a message left Thursday by The Associated Press.
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