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Press Release

MAN FROM ACOMA PUEBLO CHARGED WITH INVOLUNTARY MANSLAUGHTER AFTER DEADLY CAR CRASH

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of New Mexico

ALBUQUERQUE – Mateo L. Maestas, 21, of Acoma Pueblo, N.M., appeared in federal court on Thursday on charges of involuntary manslaughter following a deadly automobile accident earlier this year.

According to a criminal complaint, Maestas was driving while intoxicated in Cibola County on April 16, 2019, when he crashed his car into another vehicle occupied by a woman and two children.  The woman died from injuries sustained in the crash.   She was an enrolled member of the Laguna Indian Tribe.   Maestas is an enrolled member of the Acoma Indian Tribe. 

Maestas is currently in custody.   He faces up to 8 years in prison if convicted of involuntary manslaughter.  

The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Elisa C. Dimas is prosecuting the case.  

Updated May 30, 2019
Topic
Indian Country Law and Justice
Component
USAO - New Mexico
Press Release Number: 19-69

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