NORTHERN ARIZONA MAN SENTENCED FOR ASSUALT RESULTING IN SERIOUS BODILY INJURY

PHOENIX,  – On Feb. 13, 2012, Jeffrey Benner, 30, of Cross Canyon, Ariz. was sentenced by U.S. District Judge David G. Campbell to 51 months incarceration, followed by a three year term of supervised release.  Benner pleaded guilty on Dec. 7, 2011, to Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury.

According to Benner’s plea agreement, on or about July 26, 2011, on the Navajo Indian Reservation, Benner, an Indian, intentionally assaulted his girlfriend while on the Navajo Indian Reservation.  The assault occurred after Benner became angry during an argument in their home. During the argument, Benner slammed a door, which caused a picture frame to fall to the ground and shatter. Benner later returned to the room and instructed the victim to pick up the broken glass.  When she refused, Benner picked up a piece of the glass, pulled the victim’s head back by her hair and cut her throat, causing serious bodily injury.

The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution is being handled by Melissa Karlen, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.

CASE NUMBER:                  CR 11-8161-PCT-DGC
RELEASE NUMBER:          2012-038(Benner)

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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/