A federal grand jury has indicted Shelton Atole, a 35-year-old resident of Dulce and member of the Jicarilla Apache Nation, on one count of assault resulting in substantial bodily injury to an intimate or dating partner. The incident allegedly occurred on July 23, 2025.
According to court documents, Atole is accused of assaulting the victim, which led to significant injuries. He will remain in custody until his trial date is set. If found guilty, Atole could face up to five years in prison.
U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Acting Special Agent in Charge Philip Russell of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office announced the indictment. The case was investigated by the Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office with support from the Jicarilla Apache Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meg Tomlinson is prosecuting.
“An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.”
