Man from Zuni Pueblo pleads guilty to assaulting two children in Indian Country

            ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Stanton Sanchez, 32, of Zuni, New Mexico, pleaded guilty in federal court in Albuquerque on Jan. 9 to two charges of assault of a minor resulting in serious bodily injury.

In Sanchez’s plea agreement, he admitted to committing the offenses on the Zuni Pueblo in McKinley County on July 22, 2018.  Sanchez was intoxicated and driving too fast when he hit two children who were walking down a residential road.  Sanchez’s blood alcohol content was more than twice the legal limit.  Both children suffered serious injuries. 

            Sanchez is currently in custody pending sentencing.  He will receive a sentence of 10 years in custody under the terms of his plea agreement. 

            The Pueblo of Zuni Tribal Police Department investigated this case.   Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison Jaros is prosecuting the case.