Assault of Domestic Partner

Ute Indian Tribe Member Faces Domestic Violence Charge After Alleged Assault of Domestic Partner Indictment Charges Shavanaux Is a Habitual Domestic Violence Offender After Two Previous Convictions


SALT LAKE CITY—Adam Shavanaux, 36, an enrolled member of the Ute Indian Tribe, will be in federal court Wednesday morning for an initial appearance on an indictment charging him with one count of domestic assault by an habitual offender while within Indian Country.

Shavanaux, who is in custody, will appear in U.S. Magistrate Judge Sam Alba’s court at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday. The potential maximum penalty for the charge is up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Defendants charged in indictments are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty in court.

The indictment, returned by a federal grand jury on May 24, 2010, alleges Shavanaux assaulted a domestic partner on Jan. 10, 2010. According to the indictment, Shavanaux has two previous convictions for assault on a domestic partner.

We are committed to using every tool we have to address domestic violence on Native American reservations in Utah. The charge in this indictment—domestic assault by a habitual offender—is appropriate given the ongoing conduct of this defendant,” Acting U.S. Attorney Carlie Christensen said today.

Ute tribal police officers responded to a home in Ft. Duchesne after the victim of the alleged assault was able to escape from the home and seek assistance. The victim was transported to the hospital. The FBI also is assisting in the investigation.