Poncho Pleads Guilty to Violent Assault of Intimate Partner

ALBUQUERQUE – Hugh H. Poncho, 27, a resident of Acoma Pueblo, N.M., has entered a guilty plea in federal court for the brutal assault of his intimate partner. This disturbing case has gripped the community as Poncho faces severe consequences.

Poncho was initially arrested on September 15, 2014, following charges of assaulting an intimate partner by strangulation. According to the complaint, the attack occurred in Acoma Pueblo, Cibola County, N.M., on September 11, 2014. The victim, also from Acoma Pueblo, suffered significant injuries due to Poncho’s physical abuse.

During today’s court proceedings, Poncho admitted to a felony information, acknowledging his violent behavior that included pushing the victim, causing her to fall, kicking her legs, punching her in the face, and head-butting her forehead. The assault left the victim with temporary but substantial injuries.

This harrowing case was investigated by the Laguna/Acoma Agency of the BIA’s Office of Justice Services and the Acoma Pueblo Tribal Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shammara H. Henderson is prosecuting the case, which falls under the Tribal Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (Tribal SAUSA) Pilot Project in the District of New Mexico. This initiative is sponsored by the Justice Department’s Office on Violence Against Women and aims to strengthen tribal prosecution capabilities.

The Tribal SAUSA Pilot Project was established following extensive consultations on violence against women, reflecting ongoing efforts by the Justice Department to enhance public safety within tribal communities.