District of New Mexico

ALBUQUERQUE – A Mescalero man pleaded guilty in federal court to assault of dating partner by strangling.

According to court documents, between May 5 and May 11, 2022, Kevin El Cavazone, 41, assaulted his ex-girlfriend by strangling her on the Mescalero Apache Reservation.

At sentencing, El Cavazone faces up to 10 years in federal prison. There is no parole in the federal system.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant United States Attorney Matilda McCarthy Villalobos is prosecuting the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE – A Mescalero man pleaded guilty in federal court to violently assaulting his girlfriend in a domestic violence incident.

According to court documents, on October 9, 2023, Frank Shorty Trujillo, 19, an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, violently assaulted his girlfriend, Jane Doe, at their residence. The attack was triggered by Trujillo's anger over a delayed marijuana delivery.

The assault began in front of the couple's one-year-old son. Trujillo repeatedly punched Jane Doe and bit her left leg above the knee. Throughout the attack, Jane Doe feared for her life.

Trujillo will remain detained pending sentencing, which has not yet been scheduled. At sentencing, Trujillo faces up to five years imprisonment. Upon his release from prison, Trujillo will be subject to up to three years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez made the announcement today.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matilda McCarthy Villalobos is prosecuting the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE – A student doctor from Albuquerque was charged by indictment with production and possession of child pornography following his arrest as part of a multi-agency investigation into child exploitation.

Kevin Weiss, 28, appeared before a federal judge today and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled.

According to the indictment, between approximately June 2020 to February 9, 2024, Weiss allegedly used a minor under 18 years of age to produce child pornography of the minor. The indictment further alleges that from December 30, 2023, to March 25, 2024, Weiss knowingly possessed child pornography involving prepubescent minors.

If convicted, Weiss faces a minimum of 15 years and up to 30 years in prison followed by a minimum of five years and up to a lifetime term of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Jason T. Stevens, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) El Paso, made the announcement today.

Homeland Security Investigations investigated this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department and New Mexico State Police. Assistant United States Attorneys Jaymie L. Roybal and Meg Tomlinson are prosecuting the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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ALBUQUERQUE – A former emergency dispatcher for the Mesilla Valley Regional Dispatch Authority (MVRDA), faces charges for making multiple terroristic threats against county facilities and employees via Facebook posts.

Jason Rivera, 53, of Las Cruces, appeared before a federal judge and will remain in custody pending a detention hearing, which has been set for Tuesday, November 26, 2024.

According to court records, Rivera's posts on April 11 and April 25, 2024, included alarming claims of explosives at MVRDA and direct threats to specific employees. One post stated there was a bomb at the MVRDA, prompting a lockdown and bomb sweep by the Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Office. Rivera also registered a website titled "killdonaanacounty.org" and tagged county officials in his threatening messages.

The investigation revealed Rivera used a public Facebook account to make these threats, with an IP address linked to his residence. After being taken into custody on April 25, Rivera acknowledged his account and the threatening posts during an interview with law enforcement.

Rivera worked at MVRDA for eight years until September 2020, during which he exhibited troubling behavior, including harassment of former colleagues and erratic incidents leading to disciplinary actions. Following his resignation, Rivera intensified his threats towards former coworkers and their families.

If convicted of the current charges, Rivera faces up to 10 years in prison.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Ry Ellison is prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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ALBUQUERQUE – Following a three-day trial and less than two hours of deliberation, a federal jury returned a guilty verdict against a previously convicted felon from Albuquerque on three counts of robbery for a series of incidents at Ross clothing stores in Albuquerque.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Jason Pete Roper, 45, robbed three separate Ross locations between August 14 and September 8, 2022. In each incident, Roper approached the checkout counters with small items before brandishing a silver and black handgun and demanding money from multiple registers. The total amount stolen across the three robberies was approximately $1,800.

At the time of these offenses, Roper was on federal probation for a previous armed bank robbery conviction.

Following the verdict, the Court ordered that Roper remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled. At sentencing, Roper faces up to 20 years in prison.

There is no parole in the federal system.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The FBI Albuquerque Field Office and Albuquerque Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jon Stanford and Samuel Hurtado are prosecuting the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE – A Zuni man pleaded guilty to federal charges stemming from an armed standoff with law enforcement on tribal lands.

According to court documents, on July 7, 2024, Eric Bowannie, 26, an enrolled member of the Zuni Pueblo, assaulted two federal officers by firing multiple rounds of ammunition at them while they were performing their official duties within the boundaries of the Zuni Pueblo. In his plea agreement, Bowannie admitted to intending to cause bodily harm to the officers.

Bowannie will remain detained pending sentencing, which has not yet been scheduled. At sentencing, Bowannie faces up to 10 years imprisonment. Upon his release from prison, Bowannie will be subject to up to three years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Zuni Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Ry Ellison and Kirk Williams are prosecuting the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE – The second defendant pleaded guilty in federal court for her role in a violent carjacking incident that took place on the Navajo Nation in May 2022, following the earlier guilty plea of her accomplice.

According to court documents, on May 9, 2022, Lindsey Yazzie and Brandon Barber attacked a woman driving her Jeep on the Navajo Nation. Yazzie threw a large rock at the vehicle's windshield, forcing the victim to stop. Yazzie and Barber then violently removed the victim from the vehicle, as Yazzie repeatedlyattempted to strike the victim in the head with a rock.

After forcibly taking the victim’s Jeep, Yazzie and Barber fled the scene, nearly striking the victim with the stolen vehicle as they drove away. They later led Navajo Nation police on a high-speed chase before abandoning the vehicle.

At sentencing, Yazzie faces up to fifteen years in prison. Upon her release from prison, Yazzie will be subject to up to three years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Robert James Booth II is prosecuting the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for a shooting incident that occurred in Shiprock in 2023.

Tyrell Willie, 38, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon, assault resulting in serious bodily injury, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, on May 28, 2023, Willie contacted Jane Doe via Facebook Messenger and requested to visit her at her home. Willie arrived at Jane Doe’s residence at approximately 2:00 a.m. After a brief conversation, Willie became aggressive and attempted to forcibly remove Jane Doe from her vehicle until her son, John Doe, intervened to protect his mother.

Following the altercation, Willie left the scene but later returned. When John Doe exited his home, Willie, who was lying in wait by circling the neighborhood, turned off the headlights to his vehicle, drove up to John Doe, and discharged two rounds from the driver’s seat, with one shot striking John Doe in the stomach.  Navajo Nation Police officers, who were already in the area responding to reports of erratic driving, quickly pursued and apprehended Willie.

Upon his release from prison, Willie will be subject to five years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

FBI Farmington Agency investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew J. McGinley prosecuted the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE – A man is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for allegedly stabbing a man outside a Shiprock grocery store.

Josiah Bodie, 22, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, appeared before a federal judge today and will remain on conditions of release pending trial, which has not been scheduled.

According to the criminal complaint, on November 12, 2024, Navajo Nation Police Department officers responded to reports of a stabbing at a grocery store in Shiprock, New Mexico, located within the Navajo Nation. When officers arrived, they found a male victim with an apparent stab wound. Officers located Bodie nearby in possession of a knife with brass knuckles on the handle.

The complaint alleges that Bodie approached the victim outside the store and initiated a physical altercation, during which he stabbed the victim with a knife.

If convicted on the current charges, Bodie faces 10 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with the assistance of the Navajo Nation Police Department and the Navajo Nation Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Caitlin L. Dillon is prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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ALBUQUERQUE – A San Felipe man pleaded guilty in federal court to sexually abusing an 11-year-old girl on tribal lands.

According to court documents, Vernon Chavez, 62, an enrolled member of the Pueblo of San Felipe, admitted that between August 1 and August 15, 2022, he intentionally touched an 11-year-old girl through her clothing with the intent to gratify his sexual desire. The abuse occurred within the exterior boundaries of the San Felipe Pueblo.

In his plea agreement, Chavez acknowledged that he knew the victim was approximately 11 years old at the time of the offense.

Chavez was detained pending sending, which has not been set. At sentencing, Chavez faces 10-15 years in federal prison. There is no parole in the federal system.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez made the announcement today.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Jesse Pecoraro is prosecuting the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE – A Mexican national was sentenced to 11 years in prison for federal drug and firearms offenses, following his arrest by New Mexico State Police agents in December 2022.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, on December 6, 2022, a New Mexico State Police Agent patrolling in Albuquerque identified a stolen pickup truck parked at the Sun apartment complex. The vehicle had been reported stolen by the Los Lunas Police Department on November 16, 2022.

Agents followed the truck, deployed a tire deflation device, and arrested the driver, Mario Figueroa-Camarillo, 40, when he stopped.

During the arrest, officers seized a loaded 9mm magazine, two cell phones, and $1,786 in cash from Figueroa-Camarillo’s person. Figueroa-Camarillo was wearing a GPS ankle monitor as a condition of pretrial release in a case pending at that time in the Second Judicial District Court. A search of the truck revealed approximately 66 grams of methamphetamine, 18 fentanyl pills, a digital scale, a loaded Taurus 9mm pistol, and a GPS charging device.

After completing his term of imprisonment, Figueroa-Camarillo will be subject to deportation proceedings.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman made the announcement today.

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and New Mexico State Police investigated this case. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Haynes prosecuted the case as part of an agreement with the Second Judicial District Attorney’s Office.

Through the agreement, Assistant District Attorneys are designated Special Assistant United States Attorneys (SAUSAs) in the United States Attorney’s Office. The SAUSA from the Second Judicial District Attorney’s Office screens felony criminal complaints filed in Bernalillo County for federal criminal offenses, prioritizing federal charges against those who drive violence in the Albuquerque metropolitan area. Since 2020, the United States Attorney’s Office has reviewed almost 3,000 cases and has charged more than 300 criminal cases pursuant to this program.

The United States Attorney’s Office has similar agreements with the New Mexico Department of Justice and the First Judicial District Attorney’s Office and plans to expand the program throughout the state.

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ALBUQUERQUE – After receiving credit for 13 months previously served in Tribal custody, a Laguna man was sentenced to serve an additional 27 months in prison for two violent assaults against his intimate partner, a member of the Acoma Pueblo in 2019.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, in the first incident on May 30, 2019, Bret Anthony Vallo, 32, a member of the Laguna Pueblo, admitted to approaching the victim from behind during an argument, wrapping his arm around her neck, and strangling her until she lost consciousness.

In a separate incident between July 1 and July 15, 2019, Vallo acknowledged that he escalated another verbal dispute by punching the victim in the face and striking her multiple times with a metal futon leg.

Upon his release from prison, Vallo will be subject to 3 years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez made the announcement today.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case with assistance from the Pueblo of Acoma Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Robert James Booth II is prosecuting the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE – A Jemez Pueblo man was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison for a violent confrontation with a police officer that escalated from a call for help to an assault on law enforcement.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, on May 29, 2023, a police officer with the Jemez Pueblo Police Department received a report from his sister about an individual in a nearby arroyo who was grunting and screaming for help. Upon investigation, the officer encountered Dylon Scott Sandia, 32, an enrolled member of the Jemez Pueblo, speaking with his sister. When Sandia took an aggressive posture towards the officer’s sister, he intervened and instructed Sandia to go inside. Instead, Sandia became increasingly hostile, yelling slurs at the officer and attempting to headbutt him before physically pushing him.

After being pushed, the officer attempted to detain Sandia. However, Sandia violently resisted, pulling the officer to the ground where he struck him in the stomach and chest while trying to access items from the officer’s duty belt, including his firearm.

In response to the escalating violence, the officer was forced to use pepper spray and a baton to subdue Sandia. He ultimately managed to break free from Sandia’s grip and handcuff him.

Upon his release from prison, Sandia will be subject to three years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with the assistance of the Jemez Pueblo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meg Tomlinson is prosecuting the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man was charged by indictment with sexual abuse.

Jasper Lee Gray, 62, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, appeared before a federal judge today and will remain on conditions of release pending trial, which has not been scheduled.

According to court records, between December 1 and December 20, 2023, Gray engaged in a sexual act with Jane Doe without her consent.

If convicted, Gray faces any term of years up to life in prison.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Department of Investigation and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin L. Dillon is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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ALBUQUERQUE – A Las Cruces man was sentenced to 80 months in prison for illegally possessing firearms and ammunition while under felony indictment, including an unregistered short-barreled rifle.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, on November 12, 2020, Delbert Tyler Trevino, 33, was indicted in the State of Texas on felony charges of theft of property, fraud, and possession of a controlled substance. On January 31, 2022, Trevino pleaded guilty to those felony charges. Rather than entering a judgment at that time, the court placed him on deferred adjudication probation for a period of five years.

Under Texas law, deferred adjudication allows a defendant to accept responsibility for a crime without an immediate conviction. If the defendant successfully completes the terms of probation, the case is dismissed without a conviction on their record.

Despite being prohibited from possessing firearms while on probation, evidence showed Trevino later obtained firearms that had previously been seized by police. Trevino is also alleged to have purchased ammunition in New Mexico on July 22, 2022.

On September 2, 2022, deputies from the Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant related to a homicide investigation at a residence associated with Trevino in Mesilla Park, New Mexico. During the search, authorities recovered an unregistered short-barrel rifle from the bedroom Trevino was staying in.

Trevino was subsequently convicted by a federal jury on April 24, 2024, of federal firearms and ammunition offenses including possession of an unregistered short-barreled rifle.

Upon his release from prison, Trevino will be subject to three years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Brendan Iber, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, made the announcement today.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case with assistance from the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office and the Las Cruces Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maria Y. Armijo and Ry Ellison are prosecuting the case.

The homicide investigation remains pending. If you have any information relating to this matter or other crimes committed by Trevino, please contact the Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Office at 575-525-1911.

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ALBUQUERQUE – A Mescalero man was sentenced to 30 months in prison for assaulting his intimate partner by strangling her.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, on November 8, 2023, Ronnie Pernell Evans, 21, an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, assaulted his intimate partner by shoving her and grabbing her by her throat until they tripped and fell to the ground.

Upon his release from prison, Evans will be subject to three years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez made the announcement today.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joni Autrey Stahl is prosecuting the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE – An Arizona man is charged by criminal complaint with sexually abusing a minor child at a fair.

Webster Hot, 64, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, appeared before a federal judge and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled.

According to the indictment, on October 5-6, 2024, Hot allegedly sexually abused an 8-year-old girl at the Northern Navajo Nation Fair in Shiprock, New Mexico. The abuse is alleged to have occurred inside Hot's camper truck.

If convicted, Hot faces 30 years to life in prison in prison followed by a minimum of five years of supervised release up to life.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Department of Investigation and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Brittany DuChaussee is prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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ALBUQUERQUE – A Nevada man pleaded guilty in federal court to sexual abuse involving a child under 12 years old.

According to court documents, between May 16, 2009, and May 15, 2012, Cedric Martinez, 31, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, knowingly engaged in sexual contact with a child under 12 years old at a residence in Upper Fruitland, New Mexico, within the Navajo Nation reservation.

Martinez was taken into custody pending sentencing, which has not yet been scheduled. At sentencing, Martinez faces any term between 18 and 22 years in prison. Upon his release from prison, Martinez will be subject to no less than five years and up to life of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Farmington Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorneys Brittany DuChaussee and Meg Tomlinson are prosecuting the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE – A Colorado man was sentenced to two years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $242,210 after pleading guilty to money laundering and conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

According to court documents, in 2015, James Matison, the former Restoration Projects Director at WildEarth Guardians, manipulated his co-defendant, Jeffrey Ham, the owner of Timberline Environmental LLC, a WildEarth Guardians contractor, into participating in the scheme by claiming his wife suffered a traumatic brain injury and they were facing financial hardship.

As part of the scheme, Matison created fraudulent invoices from Timberline to WildEarth Guardians, which he approved for payment, causing the non-profit to issue checks to Timberline. Matison deposited these checks into Timberline's account, then transferred the funds to his personal account.

The scheme continued until March 2019 and accumulated a total of $242,210 in fraudulent billings to WildEarth Guardians, with Matison pocketing virtually all the proceeds. When WildEarth Guardians began investigating, Matison asked Ham to create new invoices to cover up the crimes.

Ham pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and was sentenced on October 3, 2024, to serve a term of three years on probation.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and the Department of the Interior (DOI) Office of Inspector General, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Inspector General made the announcement today.

The Environmental Protection Agency Office of Inspector General and the Department of the Interior Office of Inspector General investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy Peña is prosecuting the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE – This week, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the U.S. Marshal Service, the Las Cruces Police Department, and the Doña Ana Sheriff’s Office, conducted a coordinated operation to dismantle a significant drug trafficking network in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The operation targeted 15 defendants charged with conspiracy to distribute and/or possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, specifically methamphetamine and fentanyl, and six properties in Las Cruces and Anthony, New Mexico, along with one defendant charged with maintaining a drug-involved premises.

The defendants include Armando Conrad Gonzales, a.k.a. "Forty," 43, Leticia Maria Rodriguez, 41, Jessica Juel Henderson, a.k.a. "JJ," 45, Veronica Levario, 39, Richard Regan Beserra, 47, Daniel Roberto Herrera, a.k.a. "Fat Boy," 33, Ernesto Salas Flores, 63, Beatriz Adriana Gonzalez, a.k.a. Beatriz Adriana Herrera-Gonzalez, 46, Sylvia Ann Parra, 52, Amanda Lea Weinrich, 38, Phillip Andrew Estell, a.k.a. "Flip," 43, D'Anna Michelle Chavez, 47, Bruce Martin King, 68, Angel Flores, 45, and Kenneth Eric Yeager, 44, all of Las Cruces, New Mexico, and Antonio Valles, a.k.a. "Tony," 49, of Canutillo, TX,.

According to court documents, 14 of the defendants conspired to distribute controlled substances, specifically methamphetamine and fentanyl, and one of the defendants maintained a residence which he allowed to be used for drug distribution and use. The investigation revealed multiple instances of drug sales and transportation among the defendants, including:

• March 9, 2023: Beserra transported 182 fentanyl pills, 3.2 grams of methamphetamine, and a firearm in Anthony, New Mexico. He was stopped by law enforcement, who seized the items.
• April 4, 2024: Levario and Herrera were travelling to sell 40 fentanyl pills and was stopped by law enforcement while delivering them, resulting in the seizure of 202 fentanyl pills and 30.9 net grams of pure methamphetamine in Levario’s purse.
• April 16, 2024: Henderson sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant for $1,800.
• April 25, 2024: Gonzales delivered methamphetamine to Henderson, who sold the drugs to an undercover agent for $1,800.
• May 10, 2024: Henderson sold 105.62 net grams of fentanyl for $1,200 and a 20-gauge shotgun for $300 to an undercover agent.

On November 6, 2024, HSI and DEA, with support from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Marshal Service, the Las Cruces Police Department, the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, New Mexico State Police, Texas Department of Public Safety and the New Mexico National Guard, executed search warrants at six properties associated with the drug trafficking conspiracy:

• 5301 Bell Road SW, Las Cruces, New Mexico 88012: central hub for A. Gonzales and drug distribution point.
• 3115 El Camino Real, Space 82, Las Cruces, New Mexico 88007: A. Gonzales’s mother’s house and drug distribution point.
• 5266 Ralls Road, Las Cruces, New Mexico 88012: primary location for B. Gonzalez and E. Flores’ drug transactions.
• 2826 Ox Cart Court, Las Cruces, New Mexico 88007: primary location for Herrera, used for storing stolen property and drug distribution.
• 1954 Lyon Place, Las Cruces, New Mexico 88001: residence of Kenneth Yeager and Beserra’s brother, used for drug distribution, purchase, and consumption, as well as location of a reported overdose death.
• 2775 Night Owl Lane, Anthony, New Mexico 88021: residence of Valles and drug distribution point.

During the investigative phase of the operation, agents seized 1,315.2 net grams of pure methamphetamine, 394.5 net grams of fentanyl pills (approximately 4,000 fentanyl pills), and three firearms.  During the search and arrest operations this week, authorities seized additional substantial quantities of illegal substances, including 842 grams of fentanyl, 1,118 grams of methamphetamine, 285 grams of cocaine, 36 grams of psilocybin mushrooms, 400 grams of marijuana, and 96 grams of hydrocodone. The search and arrest operation also resulted in the seizure of 13 firearms and $2,200 in US currency. The operation resulted in 24 arrests, with 16 individuals facing federal charges, and 8 facing state charges.

“As federal prosecutors, we are known for leading investigations into international drug cartels and major drug trafficking organizations. But in order for those organizations to make their money, local networks of drug traffickers must peddle their poison to the streets,” said U.S. Attorney Alexander Uballez. “When those local networks trade in death and violence, through overdose and firearms, we will focus the substantial weight of the federal government on dismantling their operations.”

“If drug traffickers think they can come set up shop in Southern New Mexico, they are mistaken,” said Special Agent in Charge Towanda R. Thorne-James. “This operation is just one example of how the DEA will partner with other law enforcement to put them out of business and bring them to justice.”

“Any investigative effort that curbs the flow of fentanyl, methamphetamine and other lethal drugs into our communities is a victory and saves lives,” said Acting Special Agent on Charge Jason T. Stevens. “HSI is a key player in a unified effort to ensure public safety by capturing and prosecuting drug traffickers and anyone else who belongs to transnational criminal organizations.”

If convicted, Weinrich, Parra, Estell, and Yeager face up to 20 years in prison.  Herrera and Chavez face a minimum of 5 years and a maximum of 20 years in prison.  A. Gonzalez, Rodriguez, Valles, Levario, Beserra, E. Flores, B. Gonzalez, King and A. Flores each face a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison.  Henderson faces a minimum of 15 years and a maximum of life in prison.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez, Towanda R. Thorne-James, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration El Paso Division and Jason T. Stevens, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) El Paso, made the announcement today.

The Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations jointly investigated this case with assistance from the U.S. Marshal Service, the Las Cruces Police Department, the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, New Mexico State Police, Texas Department of Public Safety, and the New Mexico National Guard. Assistant United States Attorneys Kirk Williams, and Renee Camacho are prosecuting these cases.

This operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations.  The task force initiatives are also part of the New Mexico High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program (HIDTA), a federal grant program that supports law enforcement efforts to combat the drug threat in the state.

An indictment or criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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ALBUQUERQUE – A Mescalero man was sentenced to 30 months in prison for assaulting his intimate partner by strangling her.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, on November 8, 2023, Ronnie Pernell Evans, 21, an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, assaulted his intimate partner by shoving her and grabbing her by her throat until they tripped and fell to the ground.

Upon his release from prison, Evans will be subject to three years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez made the announcement today.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joni Autrey Stahl is prosecuting the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man faces federal charges after allegedly stabbing his ex-girlfriend and striking her with his vehicle on the Navajo Nation reservation.

Tyrell Lee Johnson, 29, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, appeared before a federal judge and will remain in custody pending his detention hearing, which has been scheduled for November 7, 2024.

According to court records, on November 2, 2024, the FBI was notified by Navajo Nation Department of Criminal Investigations of an assault that occurred on Highway 64 in Beclabito. The victim and a witness reported that Johnson, the victim’s ex-boyfriend, stabbed her with a knife and struck her with his vehicle. The victim was transported to Northern Navajo Medical Center with multiple injuries, including a stab wound to the abdomen.

Johnson was later apprehended by Navajo Police Department officers after a brief pursuit. A folding knife was reportedly recovered from Johnson’s person.

If convicted of the current charges, Johnson faces up to 10 years in prison.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Department of Investigation and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Mark A. Probasco is prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

# # #

ALBUQUERQUE – A Gallup man pleaded guilty in federal court to assault with a dangerous weapon following a shooting incident on the Navajo Nation reservation sparked by barking dogs.

Harley Davidson Joe, 38, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, will remain on conditions of release pending sentencing, which has not yet been scheduled. At sentencing, Joe faces up to 10 years in prison. Upon his release from prison, Joe will be subject to three years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin L. Dillon is prosecuting the case.

# # #

ALBUQUERQUE – A Smith Lake man was sentenced to 11 years and 4 months in federal prison for the 2021 murder of a man in Church Rock, New Mexico.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, on May 17, 2021, Josiah Alan Smith, 30, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, arrived at a residence in Church Rock, New Mexico, armed with a rifle. Smith made threats against John Doe before briefly leaving the premises. Smith then returned with a revolver and fired two shots through a bedroom window, striking Doe in the back. The bullet pierced Doe's heart and both lungs, resulting in his death despite lifesaving attempts by a witness.

Following the shooting, Smith fled the scene and attempted to conceal evidence by disposing of the murder weapon. Smith was arrested approximately three months after the incident.

Upon his release from prison, Smith will be subject to five years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations and the McKinley County Sheriff's Office. Assistant United States Attorney Blake Nichols is prosecuting the case.

# # #

ALBUQUERQUE – An Arizona man pleaded guilty in federal court to second degree murder for his role in the brutal killing of a man on the Navajo Nation in 2020.

According to court documents, between February 6, 2020, and February 14, 2020, Tyran Begay, 40, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, participated in the killing of John Doe within the exterior boundaries of the Navajo Nation reservation by binding and beating the victim, assisting in his strangulation, and leaving his body exposed to frigid weather in a remote area near Smith Lake, NM.

Begay will remain detained pending sentencing, which has not yet been scheduled. At sentencing, Begay faces a range of incarceration of no less than 19 years up to 30 years imprisonment. Upon his release from prison, Begay will be subject to up to five years of supervised release.

Begay’s co-defendants, Camille Damon and Ronald Belone, remain in custody pending trial, which has yet been set.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with the assistance of the McKinley County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark A. Probasco and Meg P. Tomlinson are prosecuting the case.

# # #

ALBUQUERQUE – A Pueblo Pintado man pleaded guilty in federal court to two charges stemming from a fatal shooting incident that occurred on the Navajo Nation in 2022.

According to the plea agreement, on May 16, 2022, Rodgerick Tsosie, 31, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, aimed a firearm at an individual seated in the front passenger seat of a moving vehicle during a family altercation. Tsosie discharged the weapon, but the bullet missed its intended target and instead struck another person in the backseat, resulting in that individual's death.

Tsosie will remain on conditions of release pending sentencing, which has not yet been scheduled. At sentencing, Tsosie faces up to 10 years in prison with a mandatory minimum of no less than 7 years in prison. Upon his release from prison, Tsosie will be subject to up to five years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The FBI’s Albuquerque Violent Crime Task Force investigated this case with assistance from the Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office and the Navajo Nation Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Mark A. Probasco and Robert J. Booth II are prosecuting the case.

# # #

ALBUQUERQUE – A Farmington woman was sentenced in federal court after pleading guilty to charges of failing to pay royalties owed to the Jicarilla Apache Nation, the Navajo Nation, and the federal government, as well as for submitting fraudulent oil and gas extraction reports and committing wire fraud.

According to court documents, Teresa McCown, 55, the owner of M&M Production & Operation, Inc. and Shoreline Oil & Gas Company, was responsible for accounting, reporting mineral production, and paying royalties to mineral owners for extracted gas and minerals. To that end, McCown was required to submit monthly Oil Gas Operations Reports (OGOR) and royalty payments to the Department of the Interior's Office of Natural Resources Revenue (ONRR) based on the amount and value of oil and gas produced from the leases.

On December 6, 2019, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) received a complaint letter from the Jicarilla Apache Nation alleging M&M and Shoreline’s ongoing failures to report oil and gas extraction volumes and failure to report revenue. ONRR began its investigation into McCown and her companies’ failure to pay royalties and determined that she filed over 400 incorrect reports on leases located within the Jicarilla Apache Nation, the Navajo Nation, and other federal lands. Audits of her company also revealed that she entirely failed to file approximately 1,000 reports for at least 32 leases or agreements. McCown also falsely reported gas extraction amounts and failed to pay due royalties and interest.

Despite receiving multiple notices of noncompliance and civil penalties, McCown took no corrective action. Her false and missing filings, together with accruing penalties, resulted in a loss of over $3.55 million for the tribes and the federal government.

The investigation revealed that McCown committed wire fraud by knowingly submitting inaccurate information through online reporting systems and violating numerous reporting regulations. McCown agreed to ONRR’'s Acceptable Use Policy (AUP), which warned against entering inaccurate or false information into the reporting system. The online system separately warns users that a violation of the AUP may result in criminal prosecution. By continuing to violate policy using the online reporting portal, McCown carried on a scheme to defraud the Navajo Nation, the Jicarilla Nation, and the United States of full amounts due for her companies’ operations.

McCown was sentenced to a time-served prison sentence, three years of supervised release, and is ordered to pay full restitution to the Jicarilla Apache Nation and the Navajo Nation for lost royalties. She was also ordered to pay a $20,000 fine in her personal capacity and is statutorily required to pay $900 in Court-required Special Penalty Assessments.

To meet her financial obligations, McCown was ordered to liquidate her personal property – including two pieces of real estate in Farmington and Rio Arriba Counties, two motor vehicles, and a recreational vehicle, insofar as required to satisfy these financial obligations. During her period of Supervised Release, McCown may not work as a record-keeper or reporter in any industry subject to state or federal reporting or regulatory requirements, including oil and gas companies.

As part of her plea agreement, McCown also agreed not to contest proceedings initiated by the Department of the Interior, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the Bureau of Land Management to cancel her oil and gas leases.

Finally, McCown also agreed to formally apologize to the Jicarilla Apache Nation and the Navajo Nation. She apologized at sentencing and appended her apology to the record, saying in part: “I have had time to reflect on my actions and now realize that there are much larger consequences… It has not only harmed the two nations but also the people of those nations. For this I am truly sorry… I apologize to this court, The Jicarilla Apache Nation as well as the BIA-Farmington Office and the Navajo Nation.”

This case was prosecuted pursuant to the Federal Oil and Gas Royalty Management Act (FOGRMA) and is the first ever federal prosecution under 30 U.S.C. Section 1720 for violations of 30 U.S.C. Section 1719(d)(1). Section 1719(d)(1) of the FOGRMA imposes civil penalties for knowingly or willfully preparing, maintaining, or submitting false, inaccurate, or misleading reports, notices, affidavits, records, data, or other written information. Section 1720 provides criminal penalties for persons who violate Section 1719.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and the Department of the Interior (DOI) Office of Inspector General made the announcement today.

The Department of the Interior, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Energy Investigations Unit investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Flores prosecuted the case.

# # #

ALBUQUERQUE – This week, the FBI Violent Gangs Task Force and U.S. Marshals Service conducted a coordinated operation to dismantle a significant drug trafficking network linked to the Cibola County Correctional Center in Milan, NM, with the support of the New Mexico State Police. The operation was part of an ongoing investigation into an intergang conspiracy involving both incarcerated and non-incarcerated gang members.

On Wednesday, October 30, 2024, search warrants were executed at 13 identified premises across New Mexico, believed to contain evidence related to multiple federal offenses. The following individuals are among those targeted in this operation:

• Nora Baca - 417 Monte Alto Place NE, Albuquerque, NM
• Estrella Gonzalez - 1812 Del Norte Drive SW, Albuquerque, NM
• Angelo Garcia - 4903 Rincon Road NW, Albuquerque, NM
• Monalisa Vargas - 1333 Columbia Dr. SE, Apt #95, Albuquerque, NM
• Theresa Atencio - 9748 Summer Shower Place NW, Albuquerque, NM
• Johnny Valiterra (aka “Chopper”) - 2331 Menaul Boulevard NE, Albuquerque, NM
• Richard Porras (aka “Deuce”) - 2331 Menaul Boulevard NE, Albuquerque, NM
• Sonia Trinidad - 401 Dunes Court, Apt D, Albuquerque, NM
• Desiree Benavidez - 3 Jose P Sanchez Road, Los Lunas, NM
• Ana Romero - 200 E. Jefferson Avenue, Gallup, NM
• Adolfo Montano - 18 Arroyoito Loop, Seboyeta, NM
• Kimberly Perry and Kelly Perry - 8 Red Mesa Housing, Crownpoint, NM
• Monique Gallegos and David Hicks - 7 Hughes Blvd, Grants, NM

In addition to the operation, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Mexico announced indictments against several individuals connected to the drug trafficking at Cibola County Correctional Center. Two current inmates, Lupe Vargas, 40, and Edward Vallez, 44, along with two co-conspirators, Monalisa Vargas, 38 (Lupe's wife), and Michael Garcia, 46, have been charged with conspiracy and attempting to provide or obtain prohibited objects in a correctional facility. Additionally, a superseding indictment has been filed against Nora Baca, charging her with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Nora Baca, Monalisa Vargas and David Hicks were arrested during the operation. If convicted, Baca faces between 15 years and life in prison and Vargas faces up to 20 years in prison. Michael Garcia remains a fugitive at this time.

As a result of the operation, 15 firearms, ammunition, fentanyl, methamphetamine, suboxone strips, $6,000 in cash, and 23 cell phones were seized, and six individuals were arrested and charged by federal or state authorities:

• Angelo Garcia was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. If convicted of the current charges, Garcia faces no less than 10 years and up to 45 years in prison.
• Theresa Atencio was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with providing contraband to a prisoner. If convicted of the current charges, Atencio faces up to one year in jail.

At Benavidez’s residence in Los Lunas, three armed felons were located and arrested:

• Raymond Lucero was arrested on federal criminal complaint and charged with being a felon in possession or a firearm and ammunition. If convicted of the current charges, Lucero faces up to 15 years in prison.
• Jacob Gonzales, aka “Trigger,” was arrested on federal criminal complaint and charged with being a felon in possession or a firearm and ammunition. If convicted of the current charges, Gonzales faces up to 15 years in prison.
• Nadine Gonzales was arrested on state criminal complaint and charged with being a felon in possession or a firearm and ammunition.

Jacob Gonzales recently was released from prison after completing a 22-year on a state sentence for felony convictions related to a murder.

In addition, Emmanleen Chavez was arrested at the residence in Grants on a state warrant for attempted murder.

The operation and ongoing investigation are intended to dismantle the criminal enterprises operating within and outside the correctional facility, which have been implicated in the distribution of controlled substances and other illegal activities.

“The Department of Justice protects the safety and dignity of all, including those in federal custody,” said U.S. Attorney Alexander Uballez. “Those who seek to profit from the addiction and vulnerability of detainees not only violate the law but perpetuate a cycle of harm that extends beyond the walls of the jail. That is why we are taking a comprehensive approach—leveraging technology to interdict contraband before it enters the facility, enforcing federal criminal laws against detainees and those who support them on the outside, relying on the cooperation of people motivated to do the right thing, and treating opioid use disorder with medical care for federal detainees while in custody. The Department of Justice will not tolerate the exploitation of addiction for profit in our correctional facilities.”

"This week’s operation demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to continue to dismantle criminal enterprises operating in New Mexico," said Philip Russell, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Division. "The FBI, along with our federal, state, local and tribal partners are determined to bring drug traffickers to justice for crimes committed and damage done to our communities."

“The U.S. Marshals Service is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for prisoners that are under our care,” said U.S. Marshal for the District of New Mexico David O. Barnett, Jr. “The execution of this joint operation is a testament to the unwavering dedication by our Federal, State, and Local partners to combat crime and improve the lives of our New Mexico communities.”

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez, Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, and David Barnett, U.S. Marshal for the District of New Mexico, made the announcement today.

The FBI Albuquerque Division Violent Gang Task Force (VGTF) and United States Marshals Service jointly investigated this case with assistance from the CoreCivic Intelligence Unit and the New Mexico State Police. Assistant United States Attorneys Paul Mysliwiec and David Hirsch are prosecuting these cases.

The VGTF is an FBI led task force comprising of agents and officers from the New Mexico State Police, Rio Rancho Police Department, Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, and the Albuquerque Police Department.

An indictment or criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

# # #

ALBUQUERQUE – A Mescalero man has been charged by criminal complaint with assault resulting in serious bodily injury after allegedly attacking a friend with a beer bottle, leaving the victim with severe facial injuries.

According to the criminal complaint, on January 5, 2024, Lewis Michael Bigmouth, 27, an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, allegedly assaulted another enrolled tribal member on the Mescalero Apache Reservation, striking the victim multiple times in the face with a beer bottle. The victim suffered severe injuries, including a partial amputation of his nose requiring multiple reconstructive surgeries.

Bigmouth appeared before a federal judge and will remain in custody pending trial, which is has not been set.

If convicted, Bigmouth faces up to 10 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez, Jason T. Stevens, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) El Paso and Brendan Iber, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, made the announcement today.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Joni Autrey Stahl and Kirk Williams are prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

# # #

ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man pleaded guilty in federal court to charges stemming from a highway shooting in Shiprock, New Mexico, that left one person seriously injured.

According to the plea agreement, on January 9, 2024, Larence Cambridge, 34, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, flashed a firearm at the occupants of a vehicle before repeatedly shooting at it. As a result of the shooting, the vehicle was struck repeatedly, and one of the occupants was seriously injured. The shooting occurred on U.S. Highway 64 in Shiprock, New Mexico.

Cambridge pled guilty to one count each of assault with a dangerous weapon and using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

Cambridge will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not yet been scheduled. At sentencing, Cambridge faces seven to 10 years in prison. Upon his release from prison, Cambridge will be subject to up to three years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark A. Probasco is prosecuting the case.

# # #

ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man pleaded guilty in federal court to two counts of involuntary manslaughter and one count of assault in connection with a drunk driving crash on the Navajo Nation reservation that resulted in multiple fatalities and serious injuries.

According to court documents, on December 1, 2023, Brian Gonnie, 44, of the Navajo Nation, was driving under the influence of alcohol on Highway 64 in Shiprock, New Mexico. Gonnie was traveling at approximately 86 mph in a 35-mph zone when he crossed into the oncoming lane and struck another vehicle head-on. The collision resulted in the deaths of Gonnie's passenger and the driver of the other vehicle. A passenger in the struck vehicle sustained serious injuries, including broken ribs, a broken pelvis, and a leg fracture that required surgery.

Gonnie’s blood alcohol concentration was .267% and his vehicle was littered with empty alcohol containers. When interviewed by FBI agents, Gonnie admitted to drinking and driving that night.

Gonnie will remain on conditions of release pending sentencing, which has not yet been scheduled. At sentencing, Gonnie faces up to ten years in prison. Upon his release from prison, Gonnie will be subject to up to three years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez, Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

This case was investigated by the Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations and the New Mexico State Police.  Assistant United States Attorney Jesse Pecoraro is prosecuting the case.

# # #

ALBUQUERQUE – A Vanderwagen man pleaded guilty in federal court to two counts of involuntary manslaughter in connection with a fatal drunk driving crash that occurred on the Navajo Nation reservation in 2022.

According to court documents, on October 2, 2022, Sheldon Carlton Daye, 30, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, drove while impaired by alcohol. He knew that driving drunk would pose a risk to others on the road. While driving on Highway 602 near Bread Springs, New Mexico, within the boundaries of the Navajo Nation reservation, Daye struck and killed two motorists who were stopped on the side of the highway changing a tire.

Daye will remain on conditions of release pending sentencing, which has not yet been scheduled. At sentencing, Daye faces up to 16 years in prison. Upon his release from prison, Daye will be subject to up to three years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark A. Probasco and Meg P. Tomlinson is prosecuting the case.

# # #

ALBUQUERQUE – A Pigeon Springs man is charged with involuntary manslaughter and assault in connection with a fatal car crash on the Navajo Nation.

Irvin Virgil Wauneka Jr., 35, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, appeared before a federal judge and will remain on conditions of release pending trial, which has not been scheduled.

According to the indictment, on September 22, 2024, Wauneka was operating a motor vehicle with a wanton and reckless disregard for human life, knowing that his conduct endangered the lives of others. As a result, Wauneka killed Jane Doe 1 and caused bodily injury to Jane Doe 2 and Jane Doe 3.

If convicted, Wauneka faces a maximum of 10 years in prison.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

# # #

ALBUQUERQUE – A Belen teen faces federal charges for allegedly possessing a machine gun conversion device.

Christopher Gammon II, 19,is charged with unlawful possession of a machine gun. Specifically, the indictment alleges that on June 28, 2024, Gammon possessed a machine gun conversion device.

Machine gun conversion devices and auto sears are illegal devices designed to modify a semi-automatic firearm so it is capable of fully automatic fire, that is, continuous firing with a single trigger pull. The possession, manufacture, and/or sale of machine gun conversion devices without proper licensing is a federal offense punishable by severe penalties, including up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $250,000. The use of machinegun conversion devices poses a significant public safety risk, as they transform semi-automatic firearms into dangerous machine guns capable of causing catastrophic harm.

Gammon appeared before a federal judge and will remain in custody pending trial, which is currently set for February 10, 2025.

If convicted, Gammon faces up to 10 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez, Jason T. Stevens, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) El Paso and Brendan Iber, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, made the announcement today.

Homeland Security Investigations and the ATF jointly investigated this case with assistance from the New Mexico State Police and U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant United States Attorney Rachel Eagle is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

# # #

ALBUQUERQUE – A Red Valley, Arizona man was charged by indictment with kidnapping, assault and federal firearms offenses stemming from a domestic violence incident in Shiprock, New Mexico.

Curley Nakai Jr., 23, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, appeared before a federal judge and will remain in custody pending trial.

According to court records, on August 24, 2024, Nakai allegedly assaulted his girlfriend, Jane Doe, in Shiprock, New Mexico. A witness observed Nakai dragging Jane Doe by her shirt and striking her. Nakai then forced Jane Doe into the backseat of a pickup truck. Concerned for Jane Doe's safety, the witness followed the pickup and attempted to get identifying information. While following, the witness saw Nakai appear to punch Jane Doe in the vehicle.

The situation escalated when Nakai and Jane Doe arrived at a supermarket parking lot. As police were contacted by the witness, Nakai exited the pickup and pointed a rifle at her while yelling aggressively. At this point, the witness was approximately thirty feet away with her car window down. After driving past the pickup and parking nearby, the witness observed that Jane Doe managed to exit the vehicle and walk awayy.

If convicted, Nakai faces up to life in prison.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas J. Marshall is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

# # #

ALBUQUERQUE – Five members of a drug trafficking organization based in Albuquerque have been charged in federal court with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine.

Tomas Rubalcaba, 45, Joaquin Rubalcada, 40, and Humberto Gastelum, 65, appeared before a federal judge last week and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled. The federal judge permitted Frederick Chavey, 38, to remain in the third-party custody of his sister pending trial. The fifth defendant, Ismael Vargas, 37, remains a fugitive.

According to court records, the defendants belong to the Rubalcaba Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO), which has been distributing large quantities of narcotics in the Albuquerque area since at least 2021. The organization is allegedly led by brothers Tomas and Joaquin Rubalcaba. Tomas Rubalcaba coordinated narcotics sales through his business, Albuquerque Classics.

Throughout 2024, undercover agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) conducted multiple undercover purchases of cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine from the brothers, Gastelum, Chavey, and Vargas. In total, approximately 5,582 grams of fentanyl, 518 grams of cocaine, 187 grams of heroin, and 2,025 grams of methamphetamine were allegedly sold to undercover agents over an eight-month period.

On October 23, 2024, the DEA, along with the Albuquerque Police Department and Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, executed search warrants at multiple locations associated with the DTO. Agents seized approximately 715,000 fentanyl pills, over seven kilograms of cocaine, and multiple firearms. At the residence of Joaquin Rubalcaba alone, agents allegedly found 660,000 fentanyl pills, three kilograms of cocaine, and five firearms, two of which were determined to be stolen.

In addition to serving search warrants on the premises of the indicted members of the Rubalcaba DTO, law enforcement searched residences of uncharged DTO members. During these operations, authorities discovered over 5 kilograms of suspected cocaine at the residence of Luke Scarpetta, 35, and more than 600 grams of suspected fentanyl at the home of Richard Garcia, 44. As a result of these searches, both Scarpetta and Garcia were charged with A level narcotics offenses.  A federal judge ordered Garcia to remain in custody pending trial, while Scarpetta was permitted to reside at a halfway house.

Photo of guns and drugs seized by DEA on October 23, 2024

If convicted, all of the defendants face a minimum of ten years of imprisonment. The defendants could receive a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Towanda R. Thorne-James, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration El Paso Division, made the announcement today.

The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated this case with assistance from the Internal Revenue Service. Assistant United States Attorneys Joseph M. Spindle and Raquel Ruiz Velez are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

# # #

ALBUQUERQUE – A Zuni woman pleaded guilty in federal court to a count of kidnapping. This crime eventually resulted in the victim’s death at the hands of a co-defendant and the burning of the victim’s body in an attempt by the co-defendant to conceal evidence. Her co-defendant was previously convicted and sentenced to prison for the subsequent killing.

According to court documents, between July 1 and July 16, 2019, Kendra Panteah, 37, participated in and continued the confinement of John Doe in the trunk of his own vehicle and contacted the co-defendant for assistance in order to avoid getting in trouble.

Along with the co-defendant, Panteah then drove around for over a day through the Navajo Nation with John Doe locked in the trunk before stopping near Bass Lake, NM. There, John Doe attempted to escape by forcing the trunk open. Before he could get out, however, the co-defendant repeatedly stabbed Doe with a machete. The co-defendant then closed the trunk on the victim, and Panteah and the co-defendant then sat on the trunk until John Doe stopped moving. Doe died as a result of the stab wounds. Panteah and co-defendant then drove the vehicle, with Doe’s body in the trunk to a residence where it was abandoned for several days.

The co-defendant eventually towed the vehicle to a remote location, doused it with gasoline, and set it on fire with John Doe's body inside to destroy evidence of the crime. Doe was only identified through hip replacement devices found in the burned vehicle.

Her co-defendant, Gilbert John Jr., pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to 21 years in prison.

At sentencing, Panteah faces between a binding range of no less than 10 years up to no more than 18 years imprisonment. Upon her release from prison, Panteah will be subject to up to five years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorneys Mark A. Probasco and Alexander F. Flores are prosecuting the case.

# # #

ALBUQUERQUE – Two Albuquerque brothers face federal charges for firearms-related offenses.

Riley Kellner, 22, is charged with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. The indictment alleges that on August 10, 2024, Riley possessed a firearm and ammunition, knowing that he had been previously convicted of shooting at or from a motor vehicle.

Riley appeared before a federal judge and was detained pending trial, which has not been set.

Adin Kellner, 26, is charged with 11 counts of making false statements during the purchase of a firearm. The indictment alleges that between October 8, 2019, and February 24, 2023, Adin made false statements to licensed firearms dealers when he executed the ATF’s Form 4473 stating that he was the actual buyer of the firearm when he was in fact acquiring it on behalf on another individual.

Adin appeared before a federal judge and was placed on conditions of release pending trial, which is currently scheduled for December 16, 2024.

If convicted, Riley faces up to 15 years in prison and Adin faces up to 10 years in prison.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Brendan Iber, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, made the announcement today.

The ATF and Albuquerque Police Department jointly investigated these cases. Assistant United States Attorney Jaymie L. Roybal is prosecuting both cases.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

# # #

ALBUQUERQUE – A Mescalero man was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison for the repeated stabbing of a woman on the Mescalero Apache reservation.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, on May 18, 2023, Lestat Cree Valdez, 21, an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache tribe, straddled Jane Doe and stabbed her repeatedly in the head, face, and chest with a knife, with the intent to cause bodily harm. As a result of the assault, Jane Doe suffered serious bodily injury.

Upon his release from prison, Valdez will be subject to three years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

This case was investigated by the Las Cruces Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau Investigation with assistance from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant United States Attorney Joni Autrey Stahl is prosecuting the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE – A Mescalero man has been charged by criminal complaint with multiple counts of sexual abuse for sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl.

Thomas Lee Chaffins, 35, an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, appeared before a federal judge on October 10 and was detained pending trial.

According to the criminal complaint, on September 27, 2024, Chaffins engaged in sexual acts with a 15-year-old girl, identified as Jane Doe. At 15 years old, Jane Doe was legally unable to consent to sexual activity with the 35-year-old Chaffins. Additionally, Jane Doe was reportedly too intoxicated to recall details of the assault, further rendering her incapable of consent.

If convicted, Chaffins faces up to life in prison.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant United States Attorneys Matilda McCarthy Villalobos and Alyson Hehr are prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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EL PASO, Texas – A New Mexico man was sentenced in federal court today to life in prison for four counts related to his role as the leader of a transnational criminal organization with ties to the Sinaloa Drug Cartel.

According to court documents, Alex Barraza aka Smiley, 36, of Albuquerque, was the leader of the Barraza Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO), which was responsible for the importation of methamphetamine from Mexico into the United States for distribution in Albuquerque. Barraza’s DTO smuggled an estimated 720 kgs of narcotics into the U.S., and approximately $1.7 million USD into Mexico.

Barraza was arrested April 9, 2021. He pleaded guilty on April 14, 2022 to one count of conspiracy to import 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; one count of murder resulting from the use and carrying of firearms during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime and aiding and abetting; one count of use and carrying of firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime and aiding and abetting; and one count of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments.

“The life sentence for Alex Barraza is a significant victory in our ongoing battle against drug trafficking and its devastating effects on our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas. “We are committed to dismantling the networks that threaten our safety and livelihood, and I commend our law enforcement partners at Homeland Security Investigations and the New Mexico State Police, as well as the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico, for their commitment and pursuit of justice.”

“This sentence proves how HSI can be the worst-case scenario for transnational criminal organizations that smuggle dangerous drugs into our country, and profit from poisoning our communities,” said Jason T. Stevens, acting special agent in charge of HSI El Paso. “By combining resources, authorities, and intelligence with our law enforcement partners, we’re seeking to identify and dismantle these vast criminal networks one by one, proving that every criminal is within arm’s reach of the law.”

HSI and the New Mexico State Police investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Johnston and Andres Ortega prosecuted the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico assisted with the prosecution.

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ALBUQUERQUE – A Mescalero man was sentenced to 64 months in federal prison for strangling his wife.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, Fulton C. Potter, 30, an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, strangled his wife on November 24, 2023.

Upon his release from prison, Potter will be subject to three years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez made the announcement today.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matilda McCarthy Villalobos is prosecuting the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE – An Alamogordo man was sentenced to 72 months in federal prison for providing the modified shotgun used to shoot and kill an Alamogordo Police Officer.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, Jonah Apodaca, 31, provided a “sawed-off” shotgun to Dominic Cruz De La O which he is accused of later using to shoot and kill Alamogordo Police Officer Anthony Ferguson on July 16, 2023. Apodaca’s DNA was located on the shotgun shell recovered from the chamber of the shotgun and ammunition from the magazine tube.

Upon his release from prison, Apodaca will be subject to three years of supervised release.

De La O was charged with possession of a firearm not registered with the National Firearm Registration and Transfer Record and possession of a firearm not identified by a serial number. De La O remains in custody pending trial which is currently scheduled to begin February 26, 2025.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Brendan Iber, Special Agent in Charge of the Phoenix Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, made the announcement today.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case with assistance from the Alamogordo Police Department, New Mexico State Police, and the Otero County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maria Y. Armijo and Ry Ellison are prosecuting the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE – A Fruitland woman pleaded guilty in federal court to two counts of felony assault for assaulting and seriously injuring another woman with a pocketknife.

According to court documents, on February 21, 2024, Richelle R. Upshaw, 24, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, assaulted Jane Doe with a knife (considered a “dangerous weapon” under federal law), and that assault resulted in serious bodily injury to Doe’s head and face.

At sentencing, Upshaw faces up to 20 years in prison. Upon her release from prison, Upshaw will be subject to up to three years of supervised release. She must also make criminal restitution to the victim of her stabbing.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from Navajo Nation Department of Investigation and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary C. Jones is prosecuting the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE - United States Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez announced today that Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) Jeremy Peña and Sean Sullivan will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 5, 2024, general election. AUSAs Peña and Sullivan have been appointed to serve as the District Election Officers for the District of New Mexico, and in that capacity are responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.

“Our vote is our voice. That is why the Department of Justice will ensure every citizen can vote without interference or discrimination and have that vote counted in a fair and free election,” said U.S. Attorney Uballez. “Similarly, elections do not run themselves. We will protect our election officials and staff from interference and unlawful threats of violence. The Department will ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise it, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice.”

The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.

Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English). 

“The vote is the cornerstone of American democracy,” continued U.S. Attorney Uballez. “And ensuring free and fair elections depends on you. If you have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud, call us.”

Members of the public can reach AUSA Peña at (505) 269-2038 and AUSA Sullivan at (505) 350-3153 any time the polls are open in New Mexico.

In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The FBI can be reached by the public at 1-800-CALL-FBI or tips.fbi.gov.

Finally, complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by phone at 800-253-3931.

Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.

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ALBUQUERQUE – An Albuquerque woman was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for assault resulting in serious bodily injury after a drunk driving incident left a woman permanently disabled on the Navajo reservation.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, on July 18, 2023, Jacquelyn Moore, 48, a certified member of the Navajo Nation, drove into the To'hajiilee Chapter House building after consuming alcohol. Multiple witnesses saw Moore enter the parking lot driving slowly, rev her engine, accelerate her vehicle, and jump a concrete parking curb before driving into a group of four women outside of the To'hajiilee Chapter House. Moore’s vehicle struck Jane Doe, pinning her against the building wall. Moore also injured two other women.

After the crash, Moore tried to flee, laughed at her actions, and yelled perceived threats. Due to Moore’s repeated drunk driving history, the Court found that Moore acted deliberately and intentionally.

The collision resulted in severe injuries to Jane Doe, including the amputation of her leg. Jane Doe's husband applied an emergency torniquet, probably saving her life. Jane Doe, who has endured 11 surgeries and will undergo continued physical therapy and treatment, as well as the other two women who were injured by Moore, continue to persevere through their injuries.

Upon her release from prison, Moore will be subject to 3 years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office made the announcement today.

The FBI Albuquerque Field Office and the Navajo Police Department investigated this case with assistance from the New Mexico State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittany DuChaussee is prosecuting the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE – A Bosque Farms man has been sentenced to three years in prison for domestic assault by a habitual offender.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, on August 9, 2022, Daniel Vincent Olguin, 38, an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Isleta, assaulted his intimate partner by striking her in the head, causing a concussion. The assault occurred on the Isleta Pueblo. Olguin had previously been convicted by the Isleta Tribal Court of aggravated assault against an intimate partner in 2012 and in federal court of assault against an intimate partner in 2016.

Upon his release from prison, Olguin will be subject to 3 years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez made the announcement today.

The Isleta Police Department investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Robert James Booth II is prosecuting the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE – A Zuni couple pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon for a brutal 2023 assault in the presence of minors.

According to the plea agreements, on September 3, 2023, Shannon Concho, 46, and LouAnn Johnson, 28, both enrolled members of the Pueblo of Zuni, assaulted John Doe at his residence on the Zuni Pueblo. The incident began as a verbal altercation but quickly escalated to physical violence when Johnson repeatedly slapped the victim across the face. Concho and Johnson then prevented John Doe from calling for help by taking away two of his phones and attempting to enter a bedroom where a witness and two minor children were located.

As the attack escalated, Concho beat John Doe over the head with a chair almost to the point of unconsciousness. Concho then directed Johnson to kick Doe in the head because she was wearing boots at the time. After Johnson kicked Doe in the head, Concho continued the beating until Johnson alerted him that a witness called the police. Concho and Johnson then fled the scene and were on the run before eventually being apprehended.

At sentencing, Concho and Johnson each face up to 10 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Zuni Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jesse Pecoraro.

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ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man was sentenced to 46 months in prison for a 2020 assault with the intent to steal a motor vehicle within the Navajo Nation.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, on May 17, 2020, Daryl Levi, 41, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, and others assaulted John Doe in Shiprock, NM, with the intent of taking his motor vehicle. As a result of the assault, John Doe was wounded.

Upon his release from prison, Levi will be subject to three years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorneys Mark A. Probasco and Samuel A. Hurtado are prosecuting the case.

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ALBUQUERQUE – An Ohkay Owingeh man has been sentenced to 18 years in prison, the statutory maximum, for the torture of a five-year old child over a seven-week period in 2021.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, between May and July 2021, Christopher Marquez, 34, an enrolled member of the Ohkay Owingeh tribe, physically abused and tortured a 5-year-old child, resulting in great bodily harm including arm fractures, multiple rib fractures, internal bleeding, organ lacerations, and extensive bruising. The severe injuries were in various stages of healing and inflicted as part of a broader pattern of abusive conduct against the child. 

Upon his release from prison, Marquez will be subject to 3 years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez made the announcement today.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Mark A. Probasco and Matthew J. McGinley are prosecuting the case.

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