A former top-level executive for the Southern Ute Indian Tribe was sentenced Tuesday to 13½ years in federal prison for sexually assaulting a 12-year-old child, according to a news release issued by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
According to a plea agreement, McKean Walton, 52, of Ignacio sexually assaulted the child in his care on multiple occasions during fall 2010 and summer 2011. He committed the sexual assaults by using force while in the living room of a home on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation, according to the release.
Walton was the executive officer of the tribe. As executive officer, he managed all tribal government departments, the administration’s daily business and the tribe’s budget. He resigned from his position in September 2020 after his arrest.
Walton has served in at least two roles overseeing children: He was the primary contact for students, ages 13 to 19, who were interested in joining the Sunshine Cloud Smith Youth Advisory Council; and in 2006, he was the chief professional officer with the Boys & Girls Club of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe.
“Our office will enforce the law against all offenders, no matter what position of authority they hold,” said U.S. Attorney Cole Finegan, in the release. “While justice may have been long in coming in this case, thanks to the courage of the victim and the tenacity of our law enforcement partners, justice has finally arrived.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Michael Schneider said the FBI is committed to investigating crimes against the most vulnerable, regardless of how many years have passed since an incident.
“This sentence rightly holds Mr. Walton accountable for his deplorable conduct in this case,” said Schneider with the FBI Denver Division.
Walton pleaded guilty July 30, and U.S. District Court Judge Robert Blackburn issued the sentence Tuesday. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey K. Graves oversaw the prosecution.
In addition to 13½ years in prison, Walton must serve 10 years of supervised release and faces a $5,000 fine.
shane@durangoherald.com
