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Isleta Pueblo Man Pleads Guilty to Assaulting Federal Officer
Ben E. Aragon, 26, an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Isleta who resides in Bosque Farms, N.M., has pleaded guilty to assaulting a federal officer. Aragon was charged in connection with an incident that occurred on July 23, 2016, on the Isleta Pueblo in Bernalillo County, N.M.
According to court documents, Aragon assaulted a federal officer who was engaged in the performance of her official duties. The officer, a Special Law Enforcement Officer commissioned by the BIA’s Office of Justice Services, was attempting to arrest Aragon on tribal charges of aggravated assault and criminal trespass, and an outstanding tribal arrest warrant.
Aragon was initially charged by criminal complaint on July 28, 2016, and was later indicted on Sept. 13, 2016. He has been in custody pending a sentencing hearing, which has yet to be scheduled.
During the guilty plea hearing, Aragon admitted to resisting arrest and kicking the officer in her legs, causing bruises. The incident occurred while the officer was attempting to arrest Aragon for tribal offenses.
Aragon faces a sentence of 18 to 24 months in prison followed by a term of supervised release to be determined by the court. The case was investigated by the Isleta Pueblo Tribal Police Department and the Northern Pueblos Agency of the BIA’s Office of Justice Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Raquel Ruiz-Velez is prosecuting the case.
The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement officers in the line of duty. Aragon’s guilty plea is a significant step towards justice for the officer involved.
The case highlights the importance of cooperation between tribal and federal law enforcement agencies in addressing crime on tribal lands.
Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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