A Vanderwagen man has been sentenced to over seven years in federal prison after firing a rifle during an assault on the Navajo Nation. Perris Jeremiah Arthur, 36, received an 85-month sentence for using a firearm to threaten and assault another person.
Court documents show that on May 1, 2023, Arthur confronted the victim at the victim's residence. After a physical altercation began, Arthur retrieved a .22 caliber rifle from his ATV and fired two shots into the home. He then pointed the weapon directly at the victim and made threats of serious harm. The victim was not injured.
Arthur pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon as well as using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. After serving his prison term, he will be placed on supervised release for three years.
“There is no parole in the federal system,” according to officials.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Acting Special Agent in Charge Philip Russell of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office announced the sentencing. The investigation was led by the Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office with help from both the Navajo Nation Department of Investigation and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas J. Marshall prosecuted the case.
