Anderson Buck, Assault in Indian Country, New Mexico 2023

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – A Fruitland man is facing federal charges after allegedly assaulting his girlfriend so badly she needed immediate medical care at San Juan Regional Medical Center.

Anderson Buck, 39, of Fruitland, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was charged by criminal complaint with assault resulting in serious bodily injury in Indian Country. He made an initial appearance in federal court on November 25, and will remain in custody pending a preliminary and detention hearing scheduled for November 29.

According to a criminal complaint, on November 17, Buck allegedly beat his girlfriend, identified in court records as Jane Doe, so badly she needed immediate medical care at San Juan Regional Medical Center. Jane Doe’s injuries included a blowout of fractured bones around her left eye, with the possibility of losing function in the eye. Jane Doe also suffered significant blunt force trauma to the face including a broken nose, brain bleeding, and blunt force trauma to the abdomen. Jane Doe was later transferred to the University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque.

The assault allegedly occurred in Nenahnezad, New Mexico, on the Navajo Nation. A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

If convicted, Buck faces up to 10 years in prison. The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Alexander F. Flores is prosecuting the case.

According to the complaint, Buck’s girlfriend suffered severe injuries, including a blowout of fractured bones around her left eye and significant blunt force trauma to the face. She was later transferred to the University of New Mexico Hospital for further treatment. The investigation is ongoing, and Buck will remain in custody until his preliminary hearing on November 29.

This case is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of domestic violence and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable. We urge anyone who may be a victim of domestic violence to seek help and support.

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