MAN FROM MCKINLEY COUNTY PLEADS GUILTY TO ASSAULT IN INDIAN COUNTRY RESULTING IN SERIOUS BODILY INJURY

ALBUQUERQUE – Ricky Thomas, 51, of McKinley County, N.M., pleaded guilty today in federal court to an indictment charging him with assault resulting in serious bodily injury in Indian Country. 

            In Thomas’s plea agreement, he admitted committing this offense in McKinley County on September 15, 2018.  Thomas pushed the victim off a porch causing the victim to fall to the ground and hit his head on some cinderblocks.   Thomas’s assault caused the victim serious injury, including fractures and other spinal cord injuries.   The victim is now quadriplegic.  Thomas is a member of the Navajo Nation and committed the offense in Indian Country.

            Thomas is currently in custody awaiting sentencing.   He faces from 30-33 under the terms of his plea agreement. 

            The FBI investigated this case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison Jaros is prosecuting the case.