A Farmington resident has admitted to federal charges related to a violent incident involving a motorcyclist. On July 30, 2025, Tenille Quintawna Peshlakai, 33, who is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, pleaded guilty to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon.
Court documents show that on September 2, 2024, Peshlakai and the victim argued at a gas station. After leaving the scene initially, Peshlakai returned in her vehicle and blocked the path of the motorcyclist. This action forced the victim to lay down his motorcycle and crash into her vehicle. Peshlakai left before authorities arrived.
Peshlakai could face up to ten years in prison at sentencing and will be subject to up to three years of supervised release after serving any prison time.
Acting 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 plea.
The investigation was led by the Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office with help from the Navajo Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations as well as New Mexico State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Marshall is prosecuting.
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