A Texas man is facing felony charges in San Juan County after investigators say a woman reported being sexually assaulted during a late-December visit to a home near Ignacio, according to court records.

Wrangler Wayne Messick, 37, of Canyon, Texas, is charged with two counts of criminal sexual penetration in the third degree, records filed in Aztec Magistrate Court show.

The charges stem from an incident reported to have occurred during the early morning hours of Dec. 28, 2025, at a residence on Road 4025 near Ignacio.

According to an affidavit for arrest warrant, sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the area in reference to a reported sex offense. The woman later met with investigators at the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office in Aztec, where she provided a detailed statement and physical evidence related to the alleged assault. She also completed a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) exam, according to court documents.

What investigators alleged

According to the affidavit, the woman traveled to the residence with her child to attend a late Christmas gathering. Messick was also present at the home.

The woman told investigators that while there had been casual conversation earlier in the evening, she repeatedly stated she did not want a sexual encounter and did not consent to sexual contact. She reported that after going to bed, Messick later entered her bedroom, climbed into her bed, and ignored repeated verbal refusals.

Court records state the woman reported that Messick used physical restraint, including holding her down and restricting her movement, and proceeded to engage in non-consensual sexual acts despite being told “no” multiple times.

Investigators noted in the affidavit that the woman became emotional during the interview and had difficulty recounting portions of the incident, which was described as consistent with trauma responses.

Suspect interview

Detectives later contacted Messick by phone while he was traveling back to Texas. According to the affidavit, Messick admitted he engaged in sexual intercourse with the woman but claimed the encounter was consensual.

Court records state Messick acknowledged the woman initially told him “no,” but claimed the encounter continued afterward. Investigators wrote that statements Messick made during the investigation contradicted a claim of affirmative consent.

Evidence collected

Detectives documented the residence and collected physical evidence, including bedding and a towel the woman said were used immediately after the incident. Investigators wrote that the physical layout of the home and the sequence of events described were consistent with the woman’s account.

Based on the totality of the investigation, detectives concluded there was probable cause to charge Messick with two felony counts of criminal sexual penetration.

The arrest warrant affidavit was approved for filing on Dec. 31, 2025. Court records show the case remains pending. Messick is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.