TWO MEN FROM MCKINLEY COUNTY, N.M. CHARGED WITH ROBBERY AND FIREARM POSSESSION IN INDIAN COUNTRY

ALBUQUERQUE – Aurelius Jamal Eddie, 18, and Julian C. Silversmith, 42, both from the area of Gallup, N.M. appeared in federal court on June 10, 2019, on charges of robbery for interfering with commerce by threats or violence and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence in Indian Country. 

According to a criminal complaint and statements in court, Eddie and Silversmith committed these offenses with other people in Vanderwagen, N.M. on April 18, 2019.  Eddie allegedly went inside a store with two other people.  At least two of them had pistols.  They pointed the guns and yelled at other people inside the store.  Eddie shot at the ceiling.  Then they left the store with stolen alcohol.  Silversmith provided Eddie with the gun used in the robbery.         Eddie and Silversmith are currently in custody pending trial.  They face up to 20 years in prison if convicted of the robbery offense and from 10 years to life in prison if convicted of the firearm offense.  Criminal complaints are only allegations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. 

The FBI investigated this case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison Jaros is prosecuting the case.