Clovis, NM – On July 13, 2023, Jayme Kushman and Jaime Sena’s horrific crimes against children were finally brought to justice. Ninth Judicial District Attorney Quentin Ray announced that Kushman pled guilty to five counts of Child Abuse, while Sena pled no contest to four counts of Child Abuse. These charges are third-degree felonies, reflecting the severity of their actions.
The investigation into Kushman and Sena began in July of 2022, after the New Mexico State Police and Children Youth and Families Department received a tip about children being locked in cages. Upon entering the residence, authorities discovered six children living in deplorable conditions with Kushman and Sena. They executed search warrants and uncovered three days of security footage from the children’s bedroom, which revealed a horrifying pattern of abuse. The videos showed the children being starved, beaten, and chained up for extended periods of time. The most disturbing footage captured Kushman smashing an eleven-year-old child’s face into vomit while the child cried out that he hadn’t eaten in two days.
The Honorable Judge Tatum presided over the hearing and delivered the sentencing. Kushman was sentenced to 15 years in the Department of Corrections, with each count considered a Serious Violent Offense. This means Kushman must serve a minimum of 85% of her sentence before being eligible for parole. Meanwhile, Sena was sentenced to six years in the Department of Corrections. Judge Tatum expressed her disgust with their actions, stating that after 16 years on the bench, this case ranked among the cruelest and most inhumane acts against a child she had ever witnessed. She likened the children’s treatment to that of prisoners of war, stressing the need for extensive therapy and treatment to help them overcome the trauma.
The case was prosecuted by District Attorney Quentin Ray and Deputy District Attorney Brian Scott Stover. Kushman was represented by Criminal Defense Attorney Frank Rio of Clovis, while Sena had legal counsel from Blake Dugger of Hobbs.
The community eagerly awaits the plea hearing of Lora Melancon, who is expected to plead guilty to two counts of Child Abuse on July 17th. It is hoped that this case, too, will result in swift justice for the innocent victims.
Child abuse is a grave issue that affects countless children around the world. It is important to raise awareness about the signs of abuse and promote a safe environment for all children. If you suspect child abuse, it is essential to report it to the appropriate authorities immediately.
The punishment handed down to Kushman and Sena sends a strong message that child abuse will not be tolerated, and those who commit such heinous acts will face severe consequences. However, the journey towards healing and recovery for the affected children is far from over. It is necessary to provide them with the necessary psychological support and therapy to help them overcome the trauma they endured in Kushman and Sena’s house of horrors.
Cases like these call for a united effort from individuals, communities, and government organizations to protect children from abuse and neglect. Education on child abuse prevention, increased funding for child protective services, and improved access to mental health resources are essential steps towards eradicating child abuse.
In the face of such tragedy, it is crucial to remember that there is hope for the survivors. With the right support, love, and care, these children can heal and thrive. It is our collective responsibility to ensure their safety and well-being, as they are the future of our society.
In conclusion, the guilty pleas of Jayme Kushman and Jaime Sena for their horrific acts of child abuse are a step towards justice. The sentences handed down by Judge Tatum reflect the severity of their crimes. However, the healing process for the affected children continues, and it is vital for society to come together to provide them with the support they need. By raising awareness about child abuse and taking action to prevent it, we can work towards a future where every child is safe, loved, and protected.
