Albuquerque, NM – A Laguna man has pleaded guilty in federal court to two charges related to violent assaults on an intimate partner, as announced by U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez on May 20, 2024.
Bret Anthony Vallo, 38, admitted to assaulting his intimate partner, Jane Doe, on two separate occasions in 2019. According to the plea agreement, the first incident occurred on May 30, 2019, on the Acoma Pueblo, which is recognized as Indian Country under federal law. During a verbal argument, Vallo approached Jane Doe from behind, wrapped his arm around her neck, and strangled her until she lost consciousness.
The second assault took place between July 1 and July 15, 2019, also on the Acoma Pueblo. In this instance, another verbal dispute escalated into physical violence. Vallo punched Jane Doe in the face and then struck her multiple times with a metal futon leg.
In his plea agreement, Vallo acknowledged his actions and admitted his guilt to the charges of Assault of an Intimate Partner by Strangling and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon. The maximum penalty for each charge is up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to three years.
The plea agreement specifies that Vallo faces a recommended sentencing range of 37 to 46 months in prison. However, the final sentence will be determined by the court after reviewing the presentence report and considering the advisory federal sentencing guidelines. Vallo remains on conditions of release pending his sentencing, which has yet to be scheduled.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs led the investigation, with assistance from the Acoma Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert James Booth II is prosecuting the case.
'This case underscores the serious consequences of domestic violence and our commitment to seeking justice for victims of such crimes,' said U.S. Attorney Uballez. 'We will continue to work tirelessly to hold offenders accountable and to support the victims of these heinous acts.'