ZUNI PUEBLO – Nicholas Pinto, a 24-year-old member of the Pueblo of Zuni, was sentenced to a decade behind bars for his involvement in a violent crime on July 10, 2023. The sentencing was announced by Alexander M.M. Uballez, the United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office.
Pinto pled guilty to charges of assault with a dangerous weapon resulting in serious bodily injury and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence in Indian Country. According to court documents, the incident took place on September 18, 2022, when Pinto and another individual visited the home of a man identified as John Doe.
An altercation ensued between Pinto and his companion, leading John Doe to request Pinto's departure from the residence. In response, Pinto issued a chilling warning, stating that he 'would be back.' True to his word, Pinto returned an hour later, armed with a shotgun. He fired a slug, striking John Doe in the lower body, leaving him incapacitated on the ground.
In a horrifying twist, Pinto attempted to fire another round to potentially finish off the victim, but the firearm malfunctioned, preventing further harm. Pinto hastily fled the scene, leaving John Doe injured and traumatized.
Upon his eventual release from prison, Nicholas Pinto will be placed under five years of supervised release, adding further legal consequences to his actions.
The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office spearheaded the investigation into this case, with invaluable support from the Zuni Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew J. McGinley diligently prosecuted the case, ensuring justice was served.