Darrell Joe Ben, Jr., a resident of Shiprock and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, pleaded guilty on Apr. 29 to charges related to a violent assault that left a victim with life-threatening injuries.
The case highlights the serious consequences of violent crimes within Native American communities and underscores ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to address such incidents.
According to court documents, Ben assaulted the victim while intoxicated on November 18, 2025. Officers detained Ben at the scene. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment of critical injuries before being transferred to an intensive care unit in Albuquerque.
Ben pleaded guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury and assault resulting in substantial bodily injury of a dating partner. He faces up to 15 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, said they are committed to pursuing justice in cases involving violence against individuals within tribal communities.
The Farmington Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Teleky is prosecuting the case.
