Federal prosecutors have indicted a Laguna man on charges of assault resulting in serious bodily injury and assault of an intimate partner by strangling.
The charges stem from an alleged incident on August 18, where prosecutors claim Kenzie Alonzo, a 25-year-old enrolled member of the Pueblo of Laguna, beat, bit, and strangled his intimate partner, identified in court documents as Jane Doe, while in Sandoval County.
According to the indictment, Alonzo allegedly assaulted Jane Doe by beating and strangling her, resulting in severe injuries. The victim was hospitalized with extensive bruising, bite marks on her body, and a concussion.
The indictment details two counts against Alonzo.
The first count charges him with assault resulting in serious bodily injury, a violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1153 and 113(a)(6). The second count accuses him of assaulting his intimate partner by strangling, suffocating, and attempting to strangle and suffocate her, a violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1153 and 113(a)(8).
The Bureau of Indian Affairs, in collaboration with the Zia Police Department, conducted the investigation, which has been ongoing since the incident occurred.
Alonzo remains on conditions of release while awaiting trial. The trial date has not yet been scheduled. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jesse Pecoraro has been assigned to prosecute the case. The charges against Alonzo are part of a broader effort by federal authorities to address domestic violence within Native American communities, where rates of such crimes are disproportionately high.