An Arizona woman pleaded guilty on Mar. 11 to federal assault charges stemming from a drunk driving crash in 2023 that seriously injured two people.
The case highlights the consequences of impaired driving and its impact on victims and communities. According to court documents, Shaina Shorty, age 36 and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was intoxicated when she crashed into a vehicle occupied by two individuals identified as Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 2. Both victims suffered serious bodily injuries as a result of the collision.
Shorty entered her plea to two counts of assault resulting in serious bodily injury. She faces up to ten years in prison at sentencing.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, announced the plea agreement. The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated the case with help from the Navajo Nation Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron O. Jordan is prosecuting.
The outcome underscores ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to address crimes involving impaired driving and protect public safety.
