A Farmington woman has pleaded guilty to federal charges related to a motor vehicle assault that injured a motorcyclist, according to an announcement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico.
Court records show that on September 2, 2024, Tenille Quintawna Peshlakai, 33, who is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, argued with a man at a gas station. After driving away from the scene, Peshlakai turned her vehicle around and pursued the victim. She then swerved her car to block his path, which caused the victim to lay down his motorcycle and crash into her vehicle. Peshlakai left before law enforcement or medical personnel arrived.
Peshlakai entered a guilty plea on July 30, 2025, to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon. She faces up to ten years in prison and up to three years of supervised release after completing any prison sentence.
“Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Acting Special Agent in Charge Philip Russell of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office made the announcement today.”
The case was investigated by the Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office with support from the Navajo Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations as well as the New Mexico State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Marshall is prosecuting.
