A Laguna man has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison following a fatal DWI crash on the Laguna Pueblo in 2022, which resulted in the deaths of three family members. The incident underscores the severity of driving under the influence and its tragic consequences.

The court documents reveal that on August 7, 2022, Cody Allen Charlie, aged 38 and an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Laguna, was driving at an excessive speed of 116 miles per hour while intoxicated and using his cell phone. He collided with another vehicle on Interstate 40 near mile marker 130. The impact forced the other vehicle off the interstate onto the shoulder, causing it to roll over and resulting in the death of all three occupants. Following the crash, Charlie fled from his wrecked vehicle instead of aiding those affected.

Upon completing his prison term, Charlie will undergo five years of supervised release. During this period, he is required to make full monetary restitution to his victims' families. Additionally, he will be subject to alcohol and substance-abuse monitoring and must participate in mental-health and substance-abuse programs. As a convicted felon, Charlie is prohibited from owning or possessing firearms.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez announced these developments today.

The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs with assistance from both the Laguna Police Department and New Mexico State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brittany DuChaussee and Zachary C. Jones are responsible for prosecuting this case.