Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News
ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man was charged by criminal complaint for a brutal domestic assault that left leaving the victim with multiple injuries including fractures, lacerations requiring stitches, and extensive bruising.
Deshaun Begay, 20, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, appeared before a federal judge today and will remain in custody pending a detention hearing scheduled for July 15, 2024.
According to the criminal complaint, on July 4, 2024, the Navajo Nation Police Department (NNPD) responded to a report of assault in Shiprock, NM. Upon arrival, officers found the victim with multiple severe injuries to her face and head. The victim was immediately transported to Northern Navajo Medical Center for treatment.
According to the complaint, the victim reported four separate additional incidents of domestic violence since May 2024 which went unreported due to the defendant’s representation that the victim would not be believed due the defendant’s purported association with local authorities. On July 4, 2024, Begay continued his angry and physically abusive behavior after drinking with the victim. He then struck the victim repeatedly with his fists before escalating the assault with various weapons including a dog leash, a 10-pound dumbbell, and a chain with a padlock.
The victim sustained multiple injuries including bruising, lacerations requiring stitches and staples and a nasal bone fracture.
If convicted of the current charges, Begay faces up to 10 years in prison.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department, the Navajo Nation Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Mark A. Probasco is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
# # #