Darrell Joe Ben, Jr., a resident of Shiprock and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, pleaded guilty on Apr. 29 to charges stemming from a violent assault that left a victim with life-threatening injuries.
The case is significant as it involves serious charges related to domestic violence and highlights the consequences for such offenses in the community.
According to court documents, Ben assaulted the victim while intoxicated on November 18, 2025. Officers detained him at the scene. The victim was taken to a local hospital for treatment of critical injuries and later transferred to an intensive care unit in Albuquerque.
Ben admitted guilt to assault resulting in serious bodily injury and assault resulting in substantial bodily injury of a dating partner. He faces up to 15 years in prison when sentenced.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, announced the plea agreement. The Farmington Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with help from the Navajo Nation Police Department and the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Teleky is prosecuting.
