Gallup Man Charged in Federal Court After Alleged Assault Caused Severe Facial Fractures

A 35-year-old Gallup man is facing federal assault charges following an incident on New Year’s Eve that prosecutors allege resulted in significant facial injuries to an adult victim inside a moving vehicle.

Dennison Billy Jr., an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, has been charged with assault resulting in serious bodily injury. According to court documents filed in the District of New Mexico, the alleged assault occurred on December 31, 2025, while the victim was driving and Billy was seated in the passenger seat.

Responding officers located Billy in the vehicle and described him as highly intoxicated. The victim was found nearby with visible blood and multiple injuries, including facial trauma and bruising. Authorities observed blood and hair inside the vehicle, indicating a violent struggle had occurred within the confined space. The victim was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment.

Federal court filings state that the victim reported Billy had been drinking prior to the altercation and became argumentative before allegedly striking the victim multiple times. Investigators documented injuries including a fractured orbital wall and fractured nasal bones. The victim reportedly exited the vehicle in an effort to escape further harm and avoid continued assault. Court records indicate the victim may have briefly lost consciousness during the attack.

According to the complaint, Billy told law enforcement officers he had consumed a significant amount of alcohol and claimed he blacked out, stating he did not recall the incident.

Because the alleged conduct occurred within Indian Country and involves an enrolled tribal member, the case falls under federal jurisdiction pursuant to statutes governing certain violent offenses committed on tribal lands. Assault resulting in serious bodily injury carries a potential penalty of up to 10 years in federal prison if convicted.

Billy remains in custody pending further proceedings. A trial date has not yet been scheduled.

The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, with assistance from the Jicarilla Apache Police Department. The matter is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico.

Federal officials emphasized that a criminal complaint is an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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