Lake Valley Woman Charged in Child Abuse Case After Fatal Impaired Driving Incident on Navajo Nation

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A Lake Valley woman is facing federal charges after prosecutors allege she endangered the lives of two children by operating a vehicle while impaired, resulting in the death of one child and serious injuries to another.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico, Marietta Begay, 50, of Lake Valley, New Mexico, has been charged with abuse of a child resulting in death and abandonment and abuse of a child resulting in great bodily harm.

Federal court documents allege that on March 25, 2023, Begay, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, placed two minor children in a dangerous situation by driving while under the influence. Prosecutors allege her actions resulted in the death of one child and caused severe injuries to a second child.

Authorities have not publicly released additional details regarding the circumstances of the incident, but the charges reflect allegations involving the death of a child and significant injuries to another.

Child abuse cases resulting in death or serious bodily injury are among the most serious offenses prosecuted in federal court, particularly when the alleged conduct occurs within Indian Country where federal jurisdiction may apply.

Begay has been released under court-imposed conditions pending trial. A trial date has not yet been scheduled.

If convicted, Begay faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 18 years in federal prison, with the possibility of additional penalties determined by the court during sentencing proceedings.

The investigation was conducted by the Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Mondragon is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.

Federal authorities continue emphasizing the importance of protecting children from situations involving impaired driving, substance abuse, neglect, and other conduct that may place minors at risk of serious injury or death.

The indictment contains allegations of criminal conduct. Begay is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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