- Details
- By Native News Online Staff
The U.S. Attorney’s Office, based in Phoenix, Ariz. announced on Wednesday, November 16 the indictment of 17 individuals on a variety of federal crimes committed on the San Carlos Indian Reservation that include arson, aggravated assault, firearms violations, domestic violence assaults, assault against an officer, child abuse, sexual assault, kidnapping, manslaughter, and murder.
The indictment comes as the result of an intensive violent crime initiative on the reservation that was led by the Federal Bureau Investigation (FBI). The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and the San Carlos Apache Tribal Police Dept. assisted in the initiative.
Want more Native News? Get the free daily newsletter today.
An indictment is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, the individuals arrested face from five years to life in prison, depending on the crime.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas C. Simon and Dimitra H. Sampson, District of Arizona, Phoenix, are handling the prosecution.
According to the Census Bureau, 10,251 individuals lived on the San Carlos Indian Reservation in 2020. The reservation is 135 miles of Pheonix, Ariz.
More Stories Like This
Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. BriefsNative News Weekly (August 4, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Man Convicted for Selling Fake Hopi Jewelry, Defrauding Buyers of $400K
Native Bidaské with Holly Cook Macarro & Kevin H. Sharp on the Impending Release of Leonard Peltier
Native Governance Center (NGC) Recently Named Dr. Amber Annis as Its New Executive Director
Can we take a minute to talk about tribal sovereignty?
Our mission draws from the warrior spirit that has sustained Indigenous peoples for generations — the same spirit that drives us to stand guard over tribal rights through relentless investigation and fearless reporting.
Sovereignty isn't just a concept – it's the foundation of Native nations' right to govern, protect our lands, and preserve our cultures. Every story we publish strengthens tribal sovereignty.
Unlike mainstream media, we center Indigenous voices and report directly from Native communities. When we cover land rights, water protection, or tribal governance, we're not just sharing news – we're documenting our living history and defending our future.
Our journalism is powered by readers, not shareholders. If you believe in the importance of Native-led media in protecting tribal sovereignty, consider supporting our work today.
