NEW LAGUNA, N.M. – Lynette Chavez, a 26-year-old from New Laguna has pleaded guilty to assaulting a Laguna Police officer, who has the legal distinction of a federal police officer, in 2018. Chavez had been arraigned in a federal court for assaulting a federal police officer in 2021. Chavez will remain in prison until sentencing, which has not been scheduled.
According to a federal grand jury indictment, issued on April 22, 2021, Chavez assaulted a Laguna Police Officer in 2018. By virtue of their agreement with the US federal government, Laguna Police Officers have a Special Law Enforcement Commission from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, making them federal law enforcement officers. On December 18, 2018, Chavez assaulted an LPD officer on Pueblo of Laguna land.
In her plea agreement, Chavez admitted to kicking the officer several times while he tried arresting her.
Chavez is an enrolled member of the Laguna Pueblo, her presumption of innocent ended when she pleaded guilty to the charge. Chavez faces up to eight years in prison for the assault.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs is investigating this case with assistance from the Laguna Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Alexander F. Flores is prosecuting this case.