Portales man accused in sex crimes against teen

PORTALES — A Portales man was being held in jail Tuesday without bond, charged with sex crimes this summer against the 13-year-old daughter of a friend.

Miguel Ramirez, 42, faces two counts of felony criminal sexual contact of a minor in the fourth degree, said a news release from the Portales Police Department.

He told investigators Monday the incidents occurred during a night in late August at the Portales residence of the girl's mother, with whom he was friends, according to an arrest warrant affidavit filed Tuesday.

On the night in question, Ramirez came to the house with food and accepted an offer to stay over. After the mother "retired for the night," the child complained of a back ache and Ramirez "started to massage her back," records show.

"(Ramirez) ... moved on to touching her 'no no spots,'" said a report describing his statement Monday to Portales police.

The victim in the incident told investigators Dec. 28 that she "pretended to be asleep" while the incidents occurred.

The investigation began Dec. 19 when detectives were contacted by officials from Arise Sexual Assault Services and spoke with the victim and her mother.

"These are extremely difficult and traumatic events for children of any age and it is not unusual that they don't disclose immediately," PPD Det. Charlie Smart said in the news release.

Ramirez was a school teacher, but officials said none of the criminal allegations took place at school.

Ramirez, employed the past seven years with Portales Municipal Schools, resigned Tuesday morning, said PMS Superintendent Johnnie Cain. He declined to comment further except to say Ramirez taught history at Portales Junior High School for the last four years.

Ramirez told police that in November he sent the girl an apology note online because he "felt the need to apologize for his criminal sexual contact," records show.