Gallup jury convicts man in child sexual abuse case

A Gallup jury found David Chapman, 57, guilty on June 4 of first-degree criminal penetration of a minor under the age of 13, a conviction that carries a minimum sentence of 18 years in prison. In a county where families, schools, churches and chapter communities are closely tied, the case underscores how abuse inside a household can remain hidden until a child or relative comes forward. Anyone who suspects abuse can report concerns to the Gallup Police Department or the state Children, Youth and Families Department.

The New Mexico Department of Justice said it took over prosecution of the case from the McKinley County District Attorney’s Office in October 2025 after the case was originally charged locally. Chapman was arrested by Gallup police in September 2024 after a family member reported concerns, according to the department. The case was identified by state prosecutors as D-1113-CR-2024-000282.

Prosecutors said the victim was six years old and told relatives the abuse happened repeatedly, including "hundreds of times." The department also said the child used a teddy bear to demonstrate how the abuse allegedly occurred, describing choking, being laid on a bed and being touched between the legs. The details show how young children may disclose harm indirectly, often through play, drawings or conversations with trusted adults rather than through formal statements.

Chapman was immediately remanded into custody after the verdict, and sentencing will be set later. Attorney General Raúl Torrez said child sexual abuse is a horrific crime that causes lifelong trauma and said Chapman betrayed the trust of a family member. For McKinley County, where Gallup serves as the county seat and the 2020 census counted 72,902 residents, the case is a reminder that prevention depends on adults recognizing warning signs early, responding to disclosures without delay and making sure children have safe paths to speak.