Steven Baros Pleads Guilty to Assault in New Mexico
Steven Baros, 34, of Espanola, N.M., has pleaded guilty to assaulting a Zuni Pueblo woman in a federal court in Albuquerque, N.M.
Baros was charged with assault resulting in serious bodily injury and assault with a dangerous weapon. He admitted to punching and kicking the victim, throwing her to the ground, and kicking her when she was on the ground.
The assault occurred on May 5, 2016, on Nambe Pueblo in Santa Fe County, N.M. Baros also attempted to set the victim’s house on fire before leaving in the victim’s vehicle.
As part of the plea agreement, Baros will be sentenced to a term of imprisonment within the range of 18 to 24 months, followed by a period of supervised release to be determined by the court.
Baros remains in federal custody pending a sentencing hearing, which has yet to be scheduled.
The case was investigated by the Northern Pueblos Agency of the BIA’s Office of Justice Services. The plea agreement is part of the Tribal Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (Tribal SAUSA) Pilot Project in the District of New Mexico, which seeks to increase the likelihood that every viable violent offense against Native American women is prosecuted in either federal court or tribal court, or both.
Baros’ guilty plea is a significant step towards addressing the high rate of violence against Native American women. According to the Justice Department, this case is another step in their ongoing efforts to increase engagement, coordination, and action on public safety in tribal communities.
Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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