ALBUQUERQUE – A brazen theft at a tribal gas station has landed two New Mexico women in federal court. Angelica Dominguez, 39, and Billie Jo Gussler, 43, both of Chimayo, are accused of pilfering over $1,000 in goods from the Camel Rock Valero, a business owned and operated by the Tesuque Pueblo.
The alleged crime took place on May 22, 2022, but the indictment was handed down just recently. Details surrounding the specifics of the stolen property remain scarce, but authorities state the value exceeds the $1,000 threshold that elevates the charge to a federal offense within Indian Country. Both women made initial appearances before a federal judge today and were released under certain conditions, awaiting their day in court.
Federal prosecutors are aiming for a stiff penalty if Dominguez and Gussler are convicted. Each faces a potential sentence of up to five years behind bars, followed by three years of supervised release. This isn’t a petty shoplifting case; the government is treating it as a serious violation of tribal property rights and federal law.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez announced the charges, highlighting the collaborative effort that brought the case to this point. The Bureau of Indian Affairs spearheaded the investigation, receiving crucial assistance from the Tesuque Tribal Police and the Quay County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Meg Tomlinson will be handling the prosecution.
An indictment, it’s crucial to remember, is not a conviction. Dominguez and Gussler are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. They will have the opportunity to present a defense and challenge the government’s evidence. The trial is currently scheduled for August 12, 2024.
Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it unfolds, bringing you the raw, unfiltered truth from the New Mexico federal court system. The targeting of businesses within Indian Country is a recurring issue, and this prosecution represents a push to hold perpetrators accountable for exploiting vulnerable communities. View the Indictment
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Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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