New Mexico Department of Justice Recent Arrests and Sentencing

New Mexico Department of Justice Recent Arrests and SentencingPhoto by2nd Life Media

The office of the New Mexico attorney general announced the conviction of Sergio Almanza who received 25 years in prison for the death of 7-year-old Pronoy Bhattacharya at the River of Lights holiday celebration in 2021. Pronoy’s mother, Deepshikha Chowdhury reminded the judge that “every moment of my day is spent thinking about Pronoy. I want Pronoy to know, wherever he may be, that justice was served today.”

Almanza’s conviction was secured by Special Prosecutors with the New Mexico Department of Justice and Attorney General Raúl Torrezpraised the family for their strength and determination throughout this difficult ordeal. “Pronoy was a special little boy who will be missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts are with his family today and I hope they find some comfort in our steadfast commitment to hold offenders like Sergio Almanza accountable for their actions and to do everything in our power to make this community safe for all our families.”

Special Agents from the New Mexico Department of Justice (NMDOJ) arrested Jared Cordum at his residence in Clovis, New Mexico. Cordum, an occupational therapist, allegedly sexually assaulted more than three known child victims during what was supposed to be in-home occupational therapy appointments. Cordum is charged with one count of Criminal Sexual Penetration of a Minor (Child under 13), five counts of Criminal Sexual Contact (Child under 13), four counts of Practicing Without a License, and one count of Battery.

On May 3, 2024, the NMDOJ was contacted to assist the Clovis Police Department with an investigation involving claims of potential sexual abuse. Reports of alleged abuse had been reported to Clovis PD by parents and guardians of several children who had been “patients” of Jared Cordum. These allegations included reports from a school therapist at a local elementary school who became concerned about a student as the child’s foster parent explained that the child had an occupational therapist come to the home and “insert something into his rectum.” Further reports from other parents and guardians illustrated similar behavior by Cordum and cited the home visits as being “odd” and “uncomfortable.”

Referrals to Cordum were made by local pediatricians and day care centers, one local pediatrician stated that they never received Cordum’s many evaluations and that they didn’t believe Cordum should be conducting ultrasounds and electrode analysis as he is an occupational therapist. Further, a forensic expert deemed Cordum’s practices in violation with the American Occupational Therapy Association and that Cordum “violated the standard of care for occupational therapy” when he directed children to remove their swim trunks during bathing/showering routines, administered enemas and suppositories to his patients and when he utilized imaging modalities to diagnose bowel issues.

Cordum has been booked and detained at the Curry County Detention Center.