Navajo Man from Arizona Pleads Guilty to Federal Assault Charge in New Mexico

ALBUQUERQUE – Brandon Lee Walker, 21, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation who resides in Sanders, Ariz., pleaded guilty last week in federal court in Albuquerque, N.M., to an assault charge.

Walker was arrested on July 22, 2015, on a criminal complaint charging him with assault resulting in serious bodily injury in Indian Country.  Court documents indicate that on June 7, 2015, Walker was involved in a high speed car chase that resulted in a crash that seriously injured a female passenger in Walker’s vehicle.  The victim had to be airlifted from the crash scene to University of New Mexico Hospital for injuries to her sternum and arm, and required surgery to place a plate over her sternum to stabilize her chest movement.

Walker was subsequently indicted on Aug. 11, 2015, and charged with assault resulting in serious bodily injury on June 7, 2015, in Indian Country in McKinley County, N.M.  During a change of plea hearing on Dec. 22, 2015, Walker pled guilty to the indictment without the benefit of a plea agreement.

At sentencing, Walker faces a maximum penalty of ten years in federal prison.  Walker remains in custody pending a sentencing hearing which has yet to be scheduled.

This case was investigated by the Crownpoint office of the Navajo Nation Department of Public Safety, the Zuni Tribal Police Department, the McKinley County Sheriff’s Office and the New Mexico State Police.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Elaine Ramirez is prosecuting the case.