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Press Release

Man from Navajo Nation sentenced to 71 months in federal prison for deadly drunk driving crash

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

           ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Tavis Washburn, 27, of Sanostee, N.M., was sentenced on Feb. 13 in federal court in Santa Fe, New Mexico to 71 months in prison for involuntary manslaughter and child abuse in Indian Country.

           Washburn previously pleaded guilty to these offenses on July 12, 2019.  In his plea agreement, Washburn admitted to committing the offenses on the Navajo Nation in San Juan County on Feb. 15, 2018.  Washburn was speeding and driving while intoxicated with his brother and two-year-old son in the vehicle, when he crashed into another vehicle.  As a result of the crash, Washburn’s brother was killed and Washburn’s son was injured.   

           The Farmington office of the FBI investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department.   Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison Jaros prosecuted the case.

Updated February 21, 2020

Topics
Indian Country Law and Justice
Violent Crime
Press Release Number: 20-024