Source: Office of United States Attorneys
ALBUQUERQUE – A Dulce man is facing federal charges for assault by strangulation after the victim was hospitalized with serious injuries.
According to court documents, on February 19, 2024, officers responded to a fight on Veneno Street in Dulce. There they encounter Chalmers Dedios, 32, and the victim. Officers determined that the victim was in distress, showing signs of fear and wearing heavy clothing despite warm weather. After Dedios was arrested on unrelated charges, the victim told officers they had been assaulted multiple times, including strangulation incidents on February 10 and 14.
The victim was taken to San Juan Regional Medical Center for serious injuries, including an active brain bleed. During a subsequent interview, Dedios admitted to strangling the victim. Dedios and the victim are enrolled members of the Jicarilla Apache Nation Indian Tribe.
Dedios is in custody pending trial, which has not been set. If convicted of the current charges, Dedios faces up to 10 years in prison.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez made the announcement today.
The Jicarilla Apache Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jesse Pecoraro 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.
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