A Shiprock resident has been charged in connection with a violent assault that left one person seriously injured, according to federal authorities.
Court documents state that on November 18, 2025, Darrell Joe Ben, Jr., age 35 and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, allegedly assaulted the victim after a day of drinking. Multiple witnesses called emergency services. When officers arrived at the scene, they found the victim with serious injuries and detained Ben immediately.
The victim was taken to a local hospital for treatment and later transferred for additional care. During an interview with investigators, Ben admitted to heavy drinking but did not provide details about how the injuries occurred.
Ben faces charges of assault resulting in serious bodily injury. He will remain in custody until his trial date is set. If convicted, he could receive up to ten years in prison.
"Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today."
The investigation was conducted by the Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office with support from the Navajo Nation Police Department and the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Teleky is prosecuting the case.
"A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law."
