ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Raydell Billy, 31, of Shiprock, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was arraigned in federal court today on a two-count indictment charging him with conspiracy to commit assault with a dangerous weapon and assault with a dangerous weapon with the intent to do bodily harm. Billy will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled.
A grand jury indicted Raydell Billy and co-defendants Raynorma Billy and Alvin White on May 24. According to the indictment and other court records, on April 11, Raynorma allegedly drove Raydell and White to a residence at South Side Non-profit Housing in Shiprock with the intent to assault a victim, identified as John Doe. After they entered the residence, Raynorma allegedly prevented the other occupants of the residence from intervening while Raydell and White assaulted John Doe. The indictment alleges that White threatened John Doe with a machete and both Raydell and White allegedly beat John Doe with their fists.
The alleged assault occurred on the Navajo Nation.
White was arrested on April 24 and made an initial appearance in court on April 28. White appeared for a preliminary and detention hearing on May 2 and will remain in custody pending trial. White is scheduled for arraignment on May 31.
An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Raydell, Raynorma and White each face up to five years in prison for conspiracy and up to ten years in prison for assault with a dangerous weapon with the intent to do bodily harm.
The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Mark Pfizenmayer is prosecuting the case.
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