Martin Eriacho, Assault and Firearms Offenses, New Mexico 2024

Albuquerque, New Mexico – A Zuni man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for his involvement in a violent crime that left a victim injured.

Martin Eriacho, 52, of Zuni, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Zuni Pueblo, pleaded guilty on September 7 to assault with a dangerous weapon and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

Just after midnight on January 9, 2021, Eriacho drove to a residential area on the Zuni Reservation. From inside his car, Eriacho discharged a firearm twice, drawing attention from nearby residents. Several residents began to investigate the gunshots, including the victim, who was identified as an individual with a medical condition and who had surgery for the fractures he sustained. As he walked outside his residence, the victim saw Eriacho, who he did not know, in a gray vehicle. When the victim was about twenty feet away from Eriacho, Eriacho fired two more shots, one of which struck the victim in the arm, causing several fractures that required surgery.

The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Zuni Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Joseph Spindle and Zachary Jones prosecuted the case.

Eriacho will serve 10 years in prison for his crimes. Upon his release from prison, he will be subject to three years of supervised release.

This case is a stark reminder of the dangers of gun violence and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.

The victim in this case has spoken out about the trauma he experienced as a result of Eriacho’s actions, and we hope that this sentence brings him some measure of justice.

Eriacho’s crimes are a serious offense, and we are glad that he is being held accountable.

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