Jemez Man Pleads Guilty to Assault in Indian Country

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Tyler Sando, 32, an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Jemez, pleaded guilty on May 19 in federal court to assault resulting in serious bodily injury in Indian Country and assaulting, resisting or impeding a federal officer involving physical contact. Sando will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled.

According to the plea agreement and other court records, on Aug. 11, 2020, on the Jemez Pueblo, Sando got out of his vehicle, approached a victim and proceeded to strike him about the head and face. Sando then returned to his car and left. As a result of Sando's assault, the victim suffered a subdural hematoma, needed staples to close a laceration on his head that left a scar, suffered daily headaches, and had blurry vision for a period of time.

On Nov. 16, 2020, Sando sped through a COVID checkpoint entering the Jemez Pueblo and crashed his vehicle. Law enforcement pursued Sando as he attempted to run away, and arrested him inside a residence. After Sando's arrest, a federal officer attempted to interview him. Sando cursed at the officer and spat in his face.

Sando faces up to 10 years in prison for assault resulting in serious bodily injury and up to eight years in prison for assaulting, resisting or impeding a federal officer.

The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Jemez Pueblo Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Nicholas J. Marshall and Novaline D. Wilson are prosecuting the case.

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