Jemez man charged with assault

             ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Tyler Sando, 30, an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Jemez, made his initial appearance today in federal court where he was charged with assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Sando will remain detained pending a detention hearing scheduled for Jan. 7.

            According to a criminal complaint, on Aug. 11, Sando allegedly got out of his vehicle, approached the victim and proceeded to strike the victim about the head and face without provocation. Sando allegedly returned to his car and left. The assault occurred on the Jemez Pueblo Reservation in Sandoval County, New Mexico.

Emergency Medical Services transported the victim to Sandoval Regional Medical Center, and the victim later was transferred to the University of New Mexico Hospital due to the severity of the injuries.

            A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Sando faces up to 10 years in prison.

            The FBI and the Jemez Pueblo Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Novaline D. Wilson is prosecuting the case.