Curley Nakai Jr., Kidnapping and Firearms Offenses, New Mexico 2024

ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico – A Red Valley, Arizona man was charged with kidnapping, assault, and federal firearms offenses stemming from a domestic violence incident in Shiprock, New Mexico.

Curley Nakai Jr., 23, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, appeared before a federal judge and will remain in custody pending trial.

According to court records, on August 24, 2024, Nakai allegedly assaulted his girlfriend, Jane Doe, in Shiprock, New Mexico. A witness observed Nakai dragging Jane Doe by her shirt and striking her. Nakai then forced Jane Doe into the backseat of a pickup truck.

Concerned for Jane Doe’s safety, the witness followed the pickup and attempted to get identifying information. While following, the witness saw Nakai appear to punch Jane Doe in the vehicle. The situation escalated when Nakai and Jane Doe arrived at a supermarket parking lot. As police were contacted by the witness, Nakai exited the pickup and pointed a rifle at her while yelling aggressively.

If convicted, Nakai faces up to life in prison. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office announced the charges today.

The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and the Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas J. Marshall is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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