A Sheep Springs man has been charged in federal court with assault after allegedly stabbing another individual, according to a July 21 announcement by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico.
Court documents state that on July 12, Justin Brown, 50, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, attended a gathering in Sheep Springs, New Mexico. Brown allegedly became aggressive and stabbed another individual during a confrontation. The victim sustained a stab wound to the left forearm requiring 16 staples and superficial cuts to the abdomen and back. The victim fled the scene in a vehicle accompanied by another adult and four minor children while Brown allegedly attempted to gain access to the vehicle and pursued it as it drove away.
The investigation also revealed that earlier in the evening Brown had allegedly threatened another attendee with a box cutter-style knife and sent threatening text messages before the assault occurred. Witnesses reported that a second victim suffered a cut during the incident.
During an interview following his arrest, Brown allegedly admitted to using a box cutter to stab one male victim and cut one female victim. He claimed he acted because he believed the victims were attempting to harm him.
Brown is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury. He will remain in custody pending a detention hearing. If convicted of these charges, Brown faces up to 10 years in prison.
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, made this announcement. The case was investigated by the Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Mondragon is prosecuting this case.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.