Little Water Man Pleads Guilty to Assault in 2024 Shooting Incident

ALBUQUERQUE – A Little Water man has pleaded guilty to a federal assault charge stemming from a 2024 shooting that left another individual seriously injured and requiring surgical intervention.

According to court records, on July 29, 2024, Anthony Sandoval, 41, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was involved in an altercation with another individual identified in court filings as John Doe. Both individuals were intoxicated at the time when the disagreement escalated into violence.

During the confrontation, Sandoval discharged a firearm, striking the victim. Following the shooting, Sandoval contacted authorities to report the incident and admitted responsibility. He then fled the scene and concealed the firearm in an attempt to avoid immediate recovery.

Law enforcement responded rapidly and apprehended Sandoval later that same night. The firearm used in the shooting was subsequently located and recovered as part of the investigation.

The victim was transported for emergency medical care and underwent surgery to address injuries sustained during the attack. The extent of the injuries required significant medical intervention, underscoring the severity of the incident.

Sandoval pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon, a federal offense carrying a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison, along with potential supervised release conditions following sentencing.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, announced the plea.

The case was investigated by the Gallup Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, with coordinated support from the Navajo Nation Police Department and the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. The investigation reflects structured interagency coordination in addressing violent offenses within tribal jurisdictions.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Marshall is prosecuting the case.

Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date. Additional details will be released in accordance with court proceedings.

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