Navajo Man from Colorado Pleads Guilty to Federal Assault Charge

ALBUQUERQUE—Today in federal court in Albuquerque, Steven Haley, 22, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation who resides in Dolores, Co., pleaded guilty to an assault resulting in serious bodily injury charge. Haley entered his guilty plea under an agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office that requires the imposition of a seven-year term of imprisonment to be followed by not more than three years of supervised release. Haley is in federal custody pending his sentencing hearing, which has yet to be scheduled.

U.S. Kenneth J. Gonzales said that Haley pleaded guilty to shooting another Navajo man with a rifle at a residence near Red Rock, N.M., on the Navajo Indian Reservation, on March 5, 2011. Court records reflect that Haley was indicted on April 13, 2011, and charged with (1) assault with a dangerous weapon, (2) assault resulting in serious bodily injury, and (3) using of a firearm during a crime of violence. This morning, Haley pled guilty to count two of the indictment. Under the terms of his plea agreement, counts one and three will be dismissed after Haley is sentenced.

According to Haley’s plea agreement, on the evening of March 4, 2011, while attending a get together at the victim’s residence, Haley got into a dispute with the victim and others. After the dispute became physical, Haley left the residence. Haley returned to the residence with a rifle in the early hours of March 5, 2011 in order to retrieve his cellphone. After Haley knocked on the door and was not permitted to enter, another argument ensued and Haley shot at the door. The bullet traveled through the door and struck the victim in the head causing him serious bodily damage.

The case was investigated by the FBI and the Navajo Nation Department of Public Safety, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack E. Burkhead.