ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Two men from the Pueblo of Zuni, Kamron Kallestewa, 23, and Kaden Panteah, 18, have been charged with multiple federal firearms offenses related to the assault of four individuals in 2023.
According to the indictment, the charges stem from an incident that occurred on April 8, 2023, on tribal land just outside of Cibola.
Kallestewa and Panteah allegedly assaulted John Doe 1, John Doe 2, Jane Doe 1, and Jane Doe 2 with a firearm, with the intent to cause bodily harm. The assaults are described as being committed with dangerous weapons, specifically firearms.
The grand jury's indictment lists several charges against Kallestewa and Panteah:
Counts 1, 3, 4, and 5: Assault with a dangerous weapon in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1153 and 113(a)(3).
Count 2: Assault with a dangerous weapon and aiding and abetting, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1153, 113(a)(3), and 2.
Count 6: Using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and possessing and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of such crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(ii).
Count 7: Using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of such crime, with the firearm being discharged, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(iii).
The indictment also includes forfeiture allegations. If convicted, Kallestewa and Panteah are required to forfeit any firearms and ammunition involved in their possession. This includes two Taurus-model G3C 9mm caliber pistols, and approximately 11 rounds of 9mm caliber ammunition.
Kallestewa and Panteah appeared before a federal judge on July 29 and will remain in custody pending their trial. The trial date has not yet been scheduled.
If convicted, both men face substantial prison sentences, with each charge carrying a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison.
U.S. Attorney Uballez emphasized the seriousness of the charges and the commitment of federal authorities to prosecuting violent crimes in Indian Country. Special Agent Bujanda highlighted the collaboration between the FBI and the Zuni Police Department in investigating this case.
Both defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mia Ulibarri- Rubin.