Ohkay Owingeh Man Charged with Assault

ALBUQUERQUE – An Ohkay Owingeh man is facing federal charges for allegedly assaulting a victim with a firearm. Robert Abyeta, 50, an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Ohkay Owingeh, appeared in federal court for an initial appearance where the Court temporarily detained him pending a detention hearing, which is scheduled for April 15, 2024.

The indictment alleges that on June 28, 2023, Abeyta assaulted the victim with a firearm with the intent to cause bodily harm.

Abeyta is charged with assault with an assault resulting is serious bodily injury, assault with a dangerous weapon, and using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, discharging said firearm.

If convicted, Abeyta faces up to life in prison.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez made the announcement today.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case with assistance from the Ohkay Owingeh Police Department and Santa Clara Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Meg Tomlinson is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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