Diego Lopez, Editor
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A Pine Hill resident and two others have been indicted on federal charges for allegedly kidnapping a woman and holding her for ransom in 2024, authorities announced Tuesday.
The defendants, Michael Clubfoot, 45, Carlyn Calavaza, 41, both of Zuni, and Alexis Mahooty, 40, of Pine Hill, are all enrolled members of the Zuni Pueblo. According to the indictment, the three unlawfully kidnapped a woman identified only as “Jane Doe” and detained her for ransom.
Authorities claim that the group worked together to restrain Jane Doe, leaving her in a vulnerable state, with Clubfoot taking a leading role in the assault and intimidation. Investigators have not disclosed details about the ransom demands or the victim's condition following the incident.
Court allegedly show that Jane Doe was assaulted with a firearm during the course of the kidnapping.
Clubfoot faces additional charges, including assault with a dangerous weapon, assault resulting in serious bodily injury, use of a firearm during a crime of violence, and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
While Clubfoot remains in custody, Calavaza and Mahooty are under third-party custody pending their trial, which is scheduled for February 10.
If convicted, all three defendants face a sentence of any term of years up to life in prison for the kidnapping charge. Clubfoot could face additional penalties for the assault and firearm-related charges.
The investigation was conducted by the Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, with assistance from the Zuni Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eliot Neal.
Authorities have reiterated that an indictment is merely an allegation and that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.