Isleta Pueblo Man Pleads Guilty to Assault with Vehicle

ALBUQUERQUE – A 25-year-old Isleta Pueblo man has admitted to a brutal act of assault involving a vehicle. Felipe Lucero, an enrolled member of the Isleta Pueblo and resident of Los Lunas, N.M., appeared in federal court on a guilty plea.

Lucero was detained on May 12, 2016, following an indictment that accused him of assault with a dangerous weapon, a vehicle, and assault resulting in serious bodily injury. The alleged offenses took place on December 27, 2015, within the boundaries of Isleta Pueblo in Valencia County.

Today’s court session saw Lucero admit to the charge of assault with a dangerous weapon, acknowledging his intent to injure the victim by maliciously operating a motor vehicle. If convicted, he faces a potential sentence of up to ten years in federal prison.

Lucero remains incarcerated as he awaits sentencing, which is currently unscheduled. The investigation into this case was a collaborative effort between the Southern Pueblos Agency of the BIA’s Office of Justice Services and the Pueblo of Isleta Tribal Police Department, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Spindle overseeing the prosecution.

The severity of Lucero’s actions has not gone unnoticed by the federal justice system, and his future within the legal system remains uncertain. The grim details of this incident serve as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with violent crimes in New Mexico.