Related Federal Cases
- Gilbert John, Jr., Kidnapping and Murder, New Mexico 2019 · Puerto Rico
- Rumaldo Peshlakai, Felon in Possession of Firearms, New Mexico 2021 · Colorado
- Christopher Rooks, Federal Firearms Laws Violation, New Mexico 2012 · Texas
- James Johnson, Felon in Possession of Firearms, New Mexico 2022 · Puerto Rico
- Perris Jeremiah Arthur, Assault and Federal Firearms Charges, New Mexico 2023 · Puerto Rico
Albuquerque Man Sentenced to 63 Months in Federal Prison for Federal Firearms Violation
ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico – On September 23, 2021, Rumaldo Peshlakai, 43, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, fled his home with their four children, ages 10, 7, 5, and 2, after assaulting his wife and threatening to shoot officers if they attempted to stop him.
A multi-agency search ensued, involving the Navajo Nation Police Department, FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and U.S. Marshals Service. Peshlakai evaded law enforcement for several hours, traversing over six miles on foot and hiding the children in a drainage culvert. He eventually left the children at his mother’s home in Fort Defiance, Arizona, before turning himself in the next day, on September 24, 2021.
Following Peshlakai’s arrest, law enforcement recovered three firearms – two handguns and a rifle – that he had buried during his escape. He was a previously convicted felon, which prohibited him from possessing firearms or ammunition. As a result, Peshlakai was charged with federal firearms offenses.
On September 24, 2021, Peshlakai turned himself in, and was subsequently charged with federal firearms offenses. He was sentenced to 63 months in federal prison with no parole in the federal system. Upon his release from prison, Peshlakai will be subject to three years of supervised release.
The case was investigated by the Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office and the Navajo Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations, with assistance from the FBI Phoenix Field Office, United States Marshals Service, New Mexico State Police, McKinley County Sheriff’s Office and Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander F. Flores and Kimberly Bell are prosecuting the case.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico announced the sentencing.
Peshlakai will be subject to three years of supervised release, starting upon his release from prison. He was also ordered to forfeit the firearms and ammunition, which included a Glock 19 9mm handgun, a Phoenix Arms .25 Automatic Colt pistol, a Marlin .22 caliber rifle, and various calibers and brands of ammunition.
Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
