Skip to main content
Press Release

Navajo Woman from Albuquerque Pleads Guilty to Federal Child Abuse Charge

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

ALBUQUERQUE – Kelly James, 34, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation who resides in Albuquerque, N.M., pled guilty today in federal court to a child abuse charge. Under the terms of the plea agreement, James will be sentenced to a term of probation to be determined by the court.

 

James was arrested in May 2017, on an indictment charging her with engaging in child abuse by operating a motor vehicle recklessly on Dec. 8, 2016, on the Isleta Pueblo in Valencia County, N.M.

 

During today’s proceedings, James entered a guilty plea to the indictment. In entering the guilty plea, James admitted that on Dec. 8, 2016, she operated a motor vehicle recklessly within the Isleta Pueblo while under the influence of alcohol. James further admitted that her actions endangered the health and wellbeing of the child who was a passenger in the vehicle. A sentencing hearing has yet to be scheduled.

 

This case was investigated by the Isleta Pueblo Tribal Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elisa C. Dimas.

Updated June 13, 2017

Topic
Indian Country Law and Justice