ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Melvin C. Smith, a 62-year-old man from Sanostee, has been charged with a serious crime in Indian Country. According to the indictment, Smith assaulted two victims, identified as John and Jane Doe, with a long wooden stick with the intent to cause bodily harm to both victims, doing so within the exterior boundaries of the Navajo Nation.
The federal grand jury indicted Smith on April 11. The indictment alleges that on October 6, 2022, Smith committed the assault. An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Smith faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted. He will remain on conditions of release pending trial, which has not been scheduled.
The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary C. Jones is prosecuting the case.
A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Smith’s next court appearance has not been scheduled.
The Navajo Nation and the Albuquerque community are waiting to see the outcome of this case. Melvin C. Smith’s actions will have serious consequences if he is found guilty.
Smith’s case serves as a reminder that crimes committed in Indian Country will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. The FBI and the Navajo Police Department will continue to work together to keep the community safe.
Smith’s exact location and status remain unclear at this time. The case is ongoing and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Related Federal Cases
- Deandre Lamont Brown, Domestic Intimate Partner Assault, New Mexico · Puerto Rico
- Cornelia Tom Tapaha, DUI Assault with Vehicle, New Mexico · New Mexico
- Gary Begay, Assault with a Deadly Bottle, New Mexico 2015 · New Mexico
- Patrick Yazzie-Tso, Violent Assault, New Mexico 2023 · New Mexico
- Terrell Ray Antonio, Vehicular Assault, New Mexico 2016 · New Mexico
Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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