Man Sentenced to 21 Years for Violent Home Invasions on Navajo Nation

Defendant Pistol Whipped Minor; Fired Gun at Homeowner

PHOENIX—Patrick Aaron Moone, 23, of Waterflow, New Mexico, has been sentenced to 21 years imprisonment by U.S. District Judge Mary H. Murguia. On September 1, 2010 Moone pleaded guilty to one count of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon against a minor, one count of Use of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence and one count of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon.

On February 25, 2010, Moone forced his way into the home of an elderly woman on the Navajo Reservation. The woman and her grandchild locked themselves into a bedroom to hide from Moone who believed his missing dog was in the residence. Moone kicked in the door to the bedroom, demanded his dog and struck the minor in the head twice with a semi-automatic handgun.

"The defendant senselessly pistol-whipped then held a minor at gunpoint and recklessly endangered the lives of others over a lost dog. His actions justify the sentence of 21 years," said U.S. Attorney Dennis K. Burke. "I want to thank the FBI and the Navajo Nation Police Department for their work during this investigation."

"The sentencing of Moone illustrates the commitment by the U.S. Attorney's Office, the FBI and the Navajo Nation Police Department to effectively investigate and prosecute violent criminal matters on the Navajo Reservation," said FBI Special Agent in Charge Nathan Gray, Phoenix Division.

After the minor stated he did not know the dog's whereabouts, Moone demanded that the minor go with him to find the dog. He then forced the minor at gunpoint to a neighbor's house. When they arrived at the neighbor's residence Moone, who still had the minor at gunpoint, knocked on the door. The neighbor opened the door, saw Moone had a minor at gunpoint and quickly shut the door. Moone then fired a round at the neighbor through the door because he was angry that the neighbor would not open the door. Moone then forced the door open and took the minor inside with him.

While in the house, Moone forced the minor to look for the dog and threatened other members of the family at gunpoint. The minor and the family were able to leave the house as Moone's attention was diverted. Moone chased after the minor, but the youth was able to escape. Moone fled the area, but was apprehended a short time later.

The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (Gallup) and the Navajo Nation Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Alison S. Bachus, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.

CASE NUMBER: CR-10-8046-PCT-MHM

RELEASE NUMBER: 2011-008(Moone)