Zuni Pueblo Woman Sentenced for Drunk Driving Child Abuse

Marlee Joy Pinto, a 20-year-old enrolled member of the Zuni Pueblo residing in Albuquerque, N.M., was handed down a severe sentence today by federal court in Santa Fe. The court imposed a three-year probationary term on Pinto following her conviction for child abuse. This conviction stems from an incident on March 14, 2016, where Pinto operated a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol while in Indian Country in Cibola County.

Pinto’s arrest came in July 2016 after she was indicted by federal prosecutors. She later pleaded guilty to the charges on June 30, 2016, without any plea agreement. The severity of her sentence mandates that Pinto complete an in-patient alcohol rehabilitation program and attend parenting classes during her probationary period.

The investigation into Pinto’s crime was a collaborative effort between the Laguna/Acoma Agency of the BIA’s Office of Justice Services, the Acoma Pueblo Tribal Police Department, and the New Mexico State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael D. Murphy handled the prosecution of this case.

Pinto’s case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with drunk driving in Indian Country and the potential harm it can cause to innocent children. The community is now looking towards Pinto’s compliance with her sentence as a key factor in ensuring the safety of children and preventing similar incidents in the future.

With this conviction, Pinto’s life has been forever altered, and the justice system has delivered its verdict. As she begins her three-year probation term, many are hoping for a chance at redemption for both the defendant and society as a whole.

This article is based on information provided by the DOJ USAO and reflects the gravity of Pinto’s crime and the consequences she now faces.