Russell Lee Saunders, Assault, New Mexico 2024

Gallup Man Charged for 2024 Assault

ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico – A Gallup man is facing federal charges for an assault that allegedly occurred in 2024.

According to court documents, on November 9, 2024, Russell Lee Saunders, Sr., 45, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, assaulted and seriously injured [victim's name withheld for privacy reasons].

Saunders is charged with assault resulting in serious bodily injury and will remain in third party custody pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted, Saunders faces up to 10 years in prison.

The Gallup Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Teleky is prosecuting the case.

As the investigation unfolded, authorities worked diligently to gather evidence and build a strong case against Saunders. The cooperation between local and federal agencies was crucial in bringing this case to fruition.

It is essential to note that an indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

This case serves as a reminder of the importance of community safety and the need for swift justice. The people of Gallup and surrounding areas can rest assured that law enforcement agencies are committed to protecting them from harm.

For more information, please contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-nm/pr/gallup-man-charged-2024-assault