Non-Indian Man from Albuquerque Facing Charges for Assaulting Federal Officer on Isleta Pueblo

ALBUQUERQUE – Earlier today, a U.S. Magistrate Judge sitting in Albuquerque, N.M., found probable cause to support a criminal complaint charging Jonathan D. Lueras, 30, of Albuquerque, N.M., with assaulting a federal officer. The Magistrate Judge also entered an order requiring Lueras to remain in custody pending trial.

According to the criminal complaint, Lueras, a non-Indian, was arrested on March 9, 2017, for assaulting an officer of the Isleta Pueblo Tribal Police Department, who is commissioned as a Special Law Enforcement Officer by the BIA’s Office of Justice Services. Lueras allegedly committed the assault on the Isleta Pueblo in Bernalillo County, N.M., while resisting arrest and attempting to gain control of the officer’s firearm. During the alleged assault, Lueras struggled with the officer on the ground and attempted to flee several times.

If convicted of the charge in the criminal complaint, Lueras faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. Charges in complaints are merely accusations. All criminal defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This case was investigated by the Isleta Pueblo Tribal Police Department and the Northern Pueblos Agency of the BIA’s Office of Justice Services, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Spindle.