Member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe pleads guilty to federal assault charge in Indian Country

           ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Edmond Andrew Yahnahki Shanta, 22, of Mescalero, New Mexico pleaded guilty in federal court in Las Cruces on June 4 to assault resulting in serious bodily injury in Indian Country.

           According to his plea agreement, Shanta assaulted the victim on July 13, 2019 in Otero County, New Mexico within the boundaries of the Mescalero Apache Reservation. Shanta struck the victim in the face with a rock causing a deep cut and several fractures. The victim was transported to a hospital where the victim needed surgery and four days of medical care for the victim’s injuries. Shanta is an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe.

          Shanta is currently in custody pending sentencing. He faces three years in prison under the terms of his plea agreement.

          The FBI investigated this case. Assistant U.S Attorney Aaron O. Jordan is prosecuting the case.