ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Emery Garcia, 36, of the San Felipe Pueblo, pleaded guilty in federal court on March 29 to two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon in Indian Country.

            A grand jury indicted Garcia on Nov. 17, 2020.  In his plea agreement, Garcia admitted to committing the offense on the San Felipe Pueblo in Sandoval County, New Mexico, on Oct. 8, 2020, assaulting John Doe 1 and John Doe 2 with a board, specifically a piece of 2×4 lumber, with the intent to do bodily harm. Garcia attempted to enter a home through a window and attacked John Doe 1, a minor, with the board when John Doe 1 tried to stop Garcia. Garcia then struck John Doe 2, who attempted to intervene.

            Garcia is currently in custody pending sentencing.  He faces five to seven years in prison. 

            The FBI investigated this case with assistance from the Bureau of Indian Affairs.   Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison Jaros is prosecuting the case.