Ramah Navajo man charged for assault in Indian Country

              ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Ricky Coho, 49, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, made an initial appearance in federal court today on a charge of assault in Indian Country. Coho remains in custody pending a detention hearing scheduled for Dec. 18.

              According to a criminal complaint, on April 8 on the Navajo Nation, Coho allegedly shook, lifted and dropped the victim, identified in court records as Jane Doe, before dragging her into his house and assaulting her with a metal rod. Jane Doe was transported to the Zuni Hospital and then flown to the University of New Mexico Hospital for brain surgery.

              A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Coho faces up to 10 years in prison.

              The FBI investigated this case in conjunction with the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph M. Spindle is prosecuting the case.