Hualapai Nation Tribal Members Plead Guilty to Assault

PHOENIX—On June 7, 2012, Eva A. Vaughn, 25, of Peach Springs, Arizona, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon. On June 6, 2012, her co-defendant, Leeshana Tyzell Matuck, 22, also of Peach Springs, Arizona, pleaded guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Both changes of plea took place in federal district court in Phoenix.

Vaughn, Matuck, and co-defendant Lodema Maylene Mahone, 26, of Peach Springs, Arizona, were all indicted on charges of assault with a dangerous weapon, assault resulting in serious bodily injury, and kidnapping. According to the plea agreements, the three women assaulted the victim by punching, kicking, and striking her with an object. As a result of the assault, the victim sustained serious bodily injuries, including severe swelling and bruising and injuries to her head, face, and body.

Convictions for assault resulting in serious bodily injury and assault with a dangerous weapon both carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. In determining an actual sentence, U.S. District Judge David G. Campbell will consult the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide appropriate sentencing ranges. Judge Campbell, however, is not bound by those guidelines in determining a sentence.

Vaughn and Matuck are scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Campbell on September 5 and September 17, 2012, respectively. Lodema Maylene Mahone is scheduled for a change of plea hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge David K. Duncan on June 14, 2012.

The investigation in this case was conducted by the Hualapai Nation Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution is being handled by Christina J. Reid-Moore, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.