An Arizona woman has pleaded guilty to federal charges after a high-speed crash that put three children at risk. According to court documents, Avedale Johnson, 40, who is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was driving intoxicated on May 4, 2024. She drove over 100 mph on U.S. Highway 491 with three unbelted children under the age of 12 in her vehicle. Johnson crashed into another car and then fled from law enforcement. The children were not injured during the incident. Johnson later admitted she had consumed vodka before driving.
Johnson entered a guilty plea to abandonment or abuse of a child (no death or great bodily harm). She faces up to three years in prison and five years of supervised probation.
"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. Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin L. Dillon is prosecuting.
