Two members of the Mescalero Apache Tribe have been charged with federal offenses following an alleged assault on September 11, 2025, within the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation. According to court documents, Harlyn Cody Geronimo, 49, and Raymond Shaun Chee, 28, are accused of attacking another tribal member, identified as John Doe.
Authorities allege that Geronimo and Chee struck and repeatedly kicked John Doe while he was on the ground. Witnesses stated that Geronimo was wearing steel-toed boots when he kicked John Doe in the head. Chee also reportedly participated in the assault before fleeing the scene. The victim lost consciousness and suffered multiple injuries, including serious head trauma requiring medical attention.
After his arrest, law enforcement recovered Geronimo’s steel-toed boots and found dried blood on them. Despite this evidence and witness accounts, Geronimo denied involvement in the assault.
Geronimo and Chee are charged with assault resulting in serious bodily injury. If convicted, they could each face up to ten years in prison.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison announced the charges. The Bureau of Indian Affairs led the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Silvia Delgado is prosecuting the case.
Officials emphasized that a criminal complaint or indictment is only an allegation at this stage and that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
