Pojoaque man sentenced to probation for drunk driving in Indian Country

            ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Samuel Fletcher, 72, an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Pojoaque, was sentenced on March 8 in federal court to six months of probation after pleading guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol in Indian Country.

            According to the plea agreement and other court records, on July 6, 2020, Fletcher had six beers before leaving the Camel Rock Casino to drive home. Police found Fletcher parked across two spaces at a travel center, with a half-empty can of beer in his cupholder and a full can on the floorboard of his vehicle. Fletcher was asked to submit to a field sobriety test, but admitted that he could not balance due to his inebriated state. A portable breath test confirmed Fletcher’s inebriation. The offense occurred on the Pojoaque and Nambe Pueblos in Santa Fe County, New Mexico.

            In addition to probation, Fletcher also must use an ignition interlock system, attend and complete a Victim Impact Panel and DWI School, complete eight hours of community service and undergo random alcohol and drug screenings.

            The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Alexander Flores is prosecuting the case.