Feds Charge Man in Brutal Navajo Nation Attack

PHOENIX, AZ – Preston Henry Tolth, 23, of New Mexico, is facing federal charges after allegedly brutally assaulting an elderly woman on the Navajo Nation and then stealing her truck, taking it across state lines. A federal grand jury in Phoenix returned an indictment on March 14, 2023, charging Tolth with Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Carjacking Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury.

The indictment details a June 15, 2021 attack where Tolth allegedly inflicted serious harm on the victim before making off with her Ford F150 pickup. The feds allege Tolth didn’t just steal the truck, but transported it with the intent to further harm or kill the woman. Details of the initial assault remain sealed, but sources confirm the victim is a member of the Navajo Nation and sustained significant injuries.

If convicted, Tolth could face up to 10 years behind bars and a $250,000 fine for the assault charge. The carjacking charge carries a steeper penalty: a potential 25-year prison sentence and another $250,000 fine. These aren’t slap-on-the-wrist charges; federal prosecutors are clearly aiming for a lengthy term if they can prove their case.

While an indictment is a significant step, it’s not a conviction. Tolth is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The burden now falls on federal prosecutors to build a solid case with evidence linking Tolth to the attack and the subsequent interstate transportation of the stolen vehicle. Defense attorneys will undoubtedly challenge the evidence and fight for their client’s freedom.

This case comes amid heightened scrutiny of missing and murdered Indigenous persons. The feds have been under pressure to prioritize investigations in tribal lands, where crime rates often go underreported and cases remain unsolved for years. This indictment signals a potential commitment to addressing that disparity, though cynics will wait to see if it translates into real results.

The investigation was spearheaded by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), working in cooperation with the Navajo Nation Department of Public Safety. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona is handling the prosecution. Case and release numbers were not immediately available. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as they become available.

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