Matthew Yazzie, Federal Assault, New Mexico 2015

Shiprock Man Pleads Guilty to Assault Charges

ALBUQUERQUE – In a shocking turn of events, Matthew Yazzie, 26, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, has pleaded guilty to federal assault charges in a New Mexico court.

According to sources close to the investigation, Yazzie was arrested on September 21, 2015, following a federal indictment charging him with assaulting two women and a man on June 13, 2015, in Indian Country in San Juan County, N.M. The victims suffered serious bodily injuries as a result of the brutal attacks.

During his hearing, Yazzie pleaded guilty to the indictment without the benefit of a plea agreement. In its proffer of evidence, the United States indicated that Yazzie assaulted the victims by crashing the vehicle he was driving while under the influence of alcohol.

At sentencing, Yazzie faces a statutory maximum penalty of ten years in federal prison. He remains in custody pending a sentencing hearing, which has yet to be scheduled.

This case was investigated by the Farmington office of the FBI, the New Mexico State Police, and the Shiprock office of the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elaine Y. Ramirez is prosecuting the case.

As the Grimy Times continues to bring you the latest developments in this shocking case, we urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. The safety of our communities is of the utmost importance, and we will continue to follow this story as it unfolds.

In related news, the Navajo Nation has announced a series of community safety initiatives aimed at preventing similar incidents from occurring in the future. These efforts include increased patrols and a public awareness campaign designed to educate residents on the dangers of drunk driving.

The Grimy Times will provide updates on this story as more information becomes available. In the meantime, our thoughts are with the victims and their families, who have endured unimaginable trauma as a result of Yazzie’s actions.

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