Brian Dyea, Arson of Occupied Dwelling, NM 2016

Brian Dyea, 29, an enrolled member of the Laguna Pueblo, admitted in federal court today to setting fire to his father’s trailer while the man was still inside, a brazen act of arson that endangered a life and destroyed property on tribal land.

The blaze erupted on June 17, 2016, on the Laguna Pueblo in Cibola County, N.M., where Dyea targeted his father’s home in Mesita. According to court filings, the fire caused thousands of dollars in damage and left the victim with minor smoke inhalation after escaping the burning trailer.

Dyea, who has been in custody since his arrest in December 2017, entered a guilty plea in U.S. District Court in Albuquerque, confirming under sworn admission that he deliberately ignited the structure. The charge stems from a federal indictment that classifies arson on tribal land as a federal offense.

Prosecutors emphasized the reckless nature of the crime—setting fire to an occupied dwelling—during today’s hearing. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elisa Dimas, who is handling the case, noted the severe penalties that now hang over Dyea for his actions.

Under federal law, Dyea now faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. No sentencing date has been set, but he will remain behind bars until the court reconvenes for the hearing.

The investigation was led by the Laguna/Acoma Agency of the BIA Office of Justice Services and the Pueblo of Laguna Tribal Police Department, underscoring the collaboration between tribal and federal authorities in prosecuting violent crimes on sovereign Native land.

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