Jason Jonas Lee, Assault by Striking, New Mexico 2017

ALBUQUERQUE, NM – In a shocking turn of events, 34-year-old Jason Jonas Lee, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation who resides in Albuquerque, has pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor assault charge. Lee, who was arrested on January 11, 2018, on a four-count indictment, faces a maximum statutory penalty of a year of imprisonment.

The indictment, which was handed down on January 11, 2018, charged Lee with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon with the intention of doing bodily harm, and two counts of assault resulting in serious bodily injury. According to the indictment, Lee committed the crimes against two victims, one with a baton and the other with a crowbar, on April 14, 2017, on the Navajo Indian Reservation in San Juan County, N.M.

During today’s proceedings, Lee pled guilty to a misdemeanor information charging him with assault by striking, beating and wounding. In entering the guilty plea, Lee admitted that on April 14, 2017, he entered the residence of one of the victims and assaulted the victim with a baton. After leaving the residence, he struck the other victim with the baton.

Lee acknowledged that both victims sustained injuries as a result of his actions, and one of the victims required orthopedic surgery to repair a broken arm sustained as the result of Lee’s assault. The victims were left to deal with the physical and emotional trauma of the assault, and many are still seeking justice.

The case was investigated by the Farmington office of the FBI and the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Raquel Ruiz-Velez is prosecuting the case. The sentencing hearing has yet to be scheduled, and Lee will face the consequences of his actions.

The people of Albuquerque and the Navajo Nation are still reeling from the news of Lee’s guilty plea. The community is coming together to support the victims and their families, and to demand justice for those who have been affected by Lee’s actions.

The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as more information becomes available. If you or someone you know has been affected by a similar crime, please reach out to our office for support and guidance.

Related Federal Cases