Iyanbito Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Assault Charge

ALBUQUERQUE—Mika-Jon Lowley, 23, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation who resides in Iyanbito, New Mexico, pleaded guilty this morning to a federal assault charge under a plea agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Lowley was arrested on September 20, 2012, based on a criminal complaint charging him with assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Lowley subsequently was indicted and charged with (1) assault resulting in serious bodily injury; (2) assault with a dangerous weapon; and (3) robbery in Indian country. According to the indictment, Lowley committed the offenses on March 12, 2012, in McKinley County, New Mexico, on the Navajo Indian Reservation.

During today’s proceedings, Lowley entered a guilty plea to count two, charging him with assault with a dangerous weapon. Lowley admitted that on the night of March 12, 2012, he walked up to a couple in the parking lot of Fire Rock Casino, pulled out a BB-gun, and demanded money. He further admitted that, when the couple did not immediately comply with his demand, Lowley shot the man in the face with the BB-gun.

Lowley has been in federal custody since his arrest and remains detained pending his sentencing hearing, which has yet to be scheduled. At sentencing, Lowley faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, followed by a term of supervised release to be determined by the court.

This case was investigated by the Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI and the Crownpoint Office of the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark T. Baker.