New Laguna woman arraigned for assault on a federal officer

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced that Lynnette Chavez was arraigned on Oct. 25 on an indictment charging her with assault on a federal officer. Chavez, 26, of New Laguna, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Laguna, will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled.

A federal grand jury indicted Chavez on April 22, 2021. According to the indictment, on Dec. 18, 2018, Chavez allegedly assaulted a Laguna Police officer, who is a federal officer by virtue of his Special Law Enforcement Commission from the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). The alleged assault occurred on the Pueblo of Laguna.

An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Chavez faces up to eight years in prison.

The BIA investigated this case with assistance from the Laguna Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Alexander F. Flores is prosecuting the case.

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