A Shiprock man pleaded guilty on Apr. 28 to multiple violent assaults and a kidnapping that caused serious injuries to the victim.
The case involves Darrin Begay, age 34, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation. According to court documents, Begay assaulted the victim on or about June 30, 2025 by punching, kicking, and strangling them. The attack resulted in visible injuries to the victim’s face, neck, and arms.
Court records show that on or about July 2, 2025, Begay went to the victim’s home where he threatened harm against their family members. He then forced the victim into a vehicle and drove away from their residence. During this incident Begay assaulted the victim again before pushing them out of the vehicle and leaving them by the roadside.
Begay pleaded guilty to charges of assault by strangulation and kidnapping. He faces up to life in prison at sentencing.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison said: "A Shiprock man pleaded guilty to carrying out a series of violent assaults and a kidnapping that resulted in serious injuries to the victim." Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office also made statements regarding this case.
The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated with assistance from both the Navajo Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meg Tomlinson is prosecuting.
