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Press Release

MAN FROM SHIPROCK CHARGED WITH ASSAULT BY STRANGULATION IN INDIAN COUNTRY

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

ALBUQUERQUE – Dieter Douglas, 33, of Shiprock, N.M., appeared in federal court today on charges of assault by strangulation in Indian Country. 

According to a criminal complaint, Douglas allegedly committed this offense in San Juan County on May 14, 2019.  Douglas became drunk, assaulted the victim, and threatened to kill her.  He hit the victim in the head several times and bit her on the arm.  Douglas violently choked the victim three or four times causing her to lose consciousness.  Douglas is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation.         

Criminal complaints are merely accusations and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.   Douglas is currently in custody awaiting trial.  He faces as much as 10 years in prison if convicted. 

The Farmington office of the FBI investigated this case with the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Novaline Wilson is prosecuting the case.  

 

Updated June 10, 2019

Press Release Number: 19-75