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Press Release

Acoma Pueblo Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Assault Charge

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

ALBUQUERQUE – Robert Lucero, 44, an enrolled member of the Acoma Pueblo, pleaded guilty this morning to a federal assault charge under a plea agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Lucero was arrested on May 21, 2014, on a criminal complaint charging him with assault with a dangerous weapon, with intent to do bodily harm, and resulting in serious bodily injury. Lucero subsequently was charged in a two-count indictment with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury.  According to court filings, the victim, also an enrolled member of Acoma Pueblo, stated that Lucero assaulted the victim, with what appeared to be a wooden bat or stick on May 1, 2014 within the boundaries of the Pueblo of Acoma Reservation. 

During today’s hearing, Lucero entered a guilty plea to count two of the indictment and admitted that on May 1, 2014, he assaulted the victim with a wooden axe handle, which resulted in serious bodily injury. 

Lucero has been in federal custody since his arrest and remains detained pending his sentencing hearing, which has yet to be scheduled.   Under the terms of his plea agreement, Lucero will be sentenced to 24 months in federal prison followed by a term of supervised release to be determined by the court.

This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Acoma Pueblo Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Novaline D. Wilson.

Updated January 26, 2015