A man from Newcomb, New Mexico, has pleaded guilty to federal charges related to an incident that took place earlier this year. According to court documents, James Smiley, Jr., 56, who is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, entered a residence within the boundaries of the Navajo Nation on February 28, 2025. During the incident, Smiley pointed a firearm at three men and threatened to kill them without provocation.
Smiley admitted guilt to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. He faces up to life in prison at sentencing. Upon release from prison, he will be required to serve no less than five years and up to life on supervised release.
“Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.”
The investigation was conducted by the Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron O. Jordan is prosecuting the case.
