Navajo man charged with assault with a dangerous weapon in Indian Country

DOJ Press

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Monty Montoya, 42, of Cuba, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, appeared in federal court today for an initial appearance, facing charges of assault with a dangerous weapon, assault resulting in serious bodily injury and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. Montoya will remain in custody pending a preliminary and detention hearing scheduled for March 31.

According to a criminal complaint, on March 15, Montoya allegedly assaulted a victim, identified in court records as Jane Doe, at his residence on the Navajo Nation. Montoya allegedly repeatedly struck the victim about the head and face with his fists and with a .45 caliber pistol. When the victim broke free of Montoya, he allegedly pointed the pistol at her and shot her through the arm, breaking a bone. The victim later was taken to the University of New Mexico Hospital for medical treatment.

When law enforcement arrived, they found Montoya at his mother’s residence nearby. They later recovered a pistol from the property.

A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted of all charges, Montoya faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison.


The FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Mark Pfizenmayer is prosecuting the case.


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