Legal Proceedings Begin for Raton Woman in Child Abuse Case
Amber Seay’s Release and Plea Agreement
Amber Seay, a 34-year-old resident of Raton, New Mexico, was released on a $1,000 bond last week following significant legal proceedings in a child sexual abuse case. Seay has been accused of permitting and participating in the abuse of one of her children alongside her partner, William Jackson Street, 49. The case has garnered considerable attention due to its serious nature and the circumstances surrounding the family’s actions.
According to a report by the Albuquerque Journal, Seay’s release came after she signed a plea agreement in principle with the 8th Judicial District Attorney’s Office on November 20, 2025. This agreement will require her to plead guilty to three second-degree felonies, which carry a potential sentence of 27 years but are capped at 15 years. As a condition of her release, Seay must wear a GPS monitor, remain in New Mexico or Georgia, and avoid contact with Street or her children.
Background of the Case
The allegations against Seay and Street originated on May 15, 2025, when one of Seay’s children called 911 to report ongoing abuse. The family was living in a camper at the time, which has raised concerns about child welfare monitoring in rural areas. Despite the call, Seay fled with her children to Joplin, Missouri, shortly thereafter, complicating the situation further.
Local authorities, including the Raton Police and the New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department (CYFD), became involved after the report. However, critics, including Maralyn Beck from the New Mexico Child First Network, argue that CYFD should have acted more decisively to protect the children by removing them immediately upon receiving the report of abuse. CYFD acknowledged a failure in the system but emphasized the challenges posed when parents violate safety plans.
Legal Ramifications for Both Seay and Street
Seay initially faced a staggering 26 felony counts related to child sexual abuse and other charges, while Street is facing 33 felony counts, including multiple charges of first-degree sexual penetration of a minor. Following their arrest, the children were placed into protective custody, highlighting the urgent need for effective child protection measures in New Mexico.
Street remains in custody in Missouri, fighting extradition to New Mexico. The complexities of the case raise broader questions about the effectiveness of plea agreements in child abuse cases, as well as the legal system’s ability to protect vulnerable children.
Community Impact and Future Considerations
This case has sent shockwaves through the Raton community, which has approximately 6,000 residents. The involvement of multiple agencies, including the FBI and local law enforcement, underscores the need for coordinated efforts in child welfare cases, especially in rural areas where resources may be limited.
As the legal proceedings continue, experts and community members alike are calling for a reevaluation of child protection protocols to ensure that children are not left in potentially dangerous situations. The challenges highlighted by this case could prompt legislative changes aimed at strengthening child welfare laws in New Mexico.
