A Farmington woman, Tenille Quintawna Peshlakai, was sentenced to five years of probation after intentionally causing a motorcyclist to crash following an argument, according to an April 13 announcement by federal authorities.
The case highlights the legal consequences of dangerous driving and intentional harm. There is no parole in the federal system.
Court records show that on September 2, 2024, Peshlakai, who is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, argued with the victim at a gas station before leaving. She then turned her vehicle around, caught up with the victim, and swerved her car to block his path. This action forced the victim to lay down his motorcycle and crash into Peshlakai’s vehicle. Authorities said Peshlakai fled before law enforcement or medical personnel arrived at the scene.
Peshlakai later pled guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon. The sentencing was announced by 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.
The investigation was conducted by the Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations as well as New Mexico State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Marshall prosecuted the case.
