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Press Release

U.S. Attorney's Office Secures Guilty Pleas from Zuni Couple for Assault

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of New Mexico

ALBUQUERQUE – A Zuni couple pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon for a brutal 2023 assault in the presence of minors.

According to the plea agreements, on September 3, 2023, Shannon Concho, 46, and LouAnn Johnson, 28, both enrolled members of the Pueblo of Zuni, assaulted John Doe at his residence on the Zuni Pueblo. The incident began as a verbal altercation but quickly escalated to physical violence when Johnson repeatedly slapped the victim across the face. Concho and Johnson then prevented John Doe from calling for help by taking away two of his phones and attempting to enter a bedroom where a witness and two minor children were located.

As the attack escalated, Concho beat John Doe over the head with a chair almost to the point of unconsciousness. Concho then directed Johnson to kick Doe in the head because she was wearing boots at the time. After Johnson kicked Doe in the head, Concho continued the beating until Johnson alerted him that a witness called the police. Concho and Johnson then fled the scene and were on the run before eventually being apprehended.

At sentencing, Concho and Johnson each face up to 10 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Zuni Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jesse Pecoraro.

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Updated October 17, 2024

Topic
Indian Country Law and Justice
Press Release Number: 24-343