A woman from Gallup has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for her involvement in an armed robbery at a local business in 2021. Her brother, also involved in the crime, has pleaded guilty to robbery and federal firearms charges.

The incident took place on December 4, 2021, when Gallup Police responded to a robbery at C & R Insurance located on US Highway 491. Court documents reveal that a woman and two men entered the business with firearms demanding money. During the event, the female suspect fired a shot into the ceiling, causing panic among those present. Witnesses reported hearing a loud noise and seeing suspects dressed in dark clothing.

Surveillance footage identified Amber Yazzie, aged 29, as firing a gun into the ceiling while demanding cash. Her brother Gregory Yazzie, aged 28, stood guard by the door as an accomplice collected over $4,000 from the registers. After fleeing to Albuquerque, law enforcement obtained receipts and video evidence showing they used stolen funds for shopping.

The robbery forced C & R Insurance to close for a week which significantly impacted its operations. The business serves approximately 60,000 customers across New Mexico, Arizona, and Colorado.

Randy Joe and Chadyne Tohe, co-defendants in this case alongside the Yazzies, have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.

Gregory Yazzie faces up to life imprisonment followed by up to five years of supervised release upon sentencing. Meanwhile, Amber Yazzie will be subject to three years of supervised release after completing her prison term.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez stated along with Raul Bujanda from the FBI Albuquerque Field Office: "There is no parole in the federal system."

This case was investigated by several agencies including the Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office with assistance from local police departments and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas J. Marshall.