Crownpoint man sentenced for fatal DUI crash

ALBUQUERQUE – A Crownpoint man was sentenced to 40 months in prison for a fatal crash involving alcohol and prescription opioids.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, on July 3, 2024, Joey Martin, 56, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was driving on State Highway 371 in Crownpoint, New Mexico, with a passenger when he swerved to avoid a semitruck and lost control. His passenger was killed in the resulting crash. After the crash, Martin admitted to taking opioid pain medication an hour or two prior.

Martin pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter. Upon his release from prison, he will be subject to three years of supervised release.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison made the announcement today.

The Navajo Nation Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Pahl is prosecuting the case.