Ferlando Wadsworth, Shooting Incident, New Mexico 2024

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Navajo Man Charged in Shooting Incident

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Ferlando Wadsworth, a 38-year-old Navajo man, has been charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Wadsworth appeared in federal court today on the charges, which carry a prison sentence of up to 10 years in prison for each count. If convicted, he faces a maximum of 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

According to a criminal complaint, the incident took place on October 14, 2023, in the Navajo Nation. Wadsworth allegedly arrived with two associates at a meeting to purchase food stamps from the victims. When the first victim refused to get into a vehicle with Wadsworth and his associates, Wadsworth allegedly exited the vehicle with a shotgun and followed her to the vehicle driven by the second victim.

Wadsworth allegedly pointed the shotgun at the victims and demanded that they get out of their vehicle. When the second victim put the car into drive, Wadsworth allegedly attempted to open the door and then fired the shotgun into the vehicle as it began to drive away.

Navajo Police located the vehicle in which Wadsworth fled and a vehicle pursuit ensued. Wadsworth allegedly got out of the vehicle and was caught as he attempted to flee on foot. Officers located a shotgun with the serial number obliterated.

Wadsworth is being held in custody pending trial. As a felon previously convicted of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and battery on a peace officer, Wadsworth cannot legally possess a firearm or ammunition.

The FBI and the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Frederick T. Mendenhall is prosecuting the case.