Arizona Woman Pleads Guilty to Federal Assault After Drunk Driving Crash Injures Two

Shaina Shorty faces up to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to a drunk driving crash that seriously injured two people. Read the full case summary.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 12, 2026, 8:21 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from the U.S. Attorney's Office, District of New Mexico.

The Incident and Legal Admission

The case against Shaina Shorty reached a critical milestone on March 11, 2026, when she entered a guilty plea in federal court. The charges relate to an incident on December 30, 2023, during which Shorty operated a vehicle while intoxicated. According to court records, Shorty collided with another vehicle carrying two occupants, identified in legal filings as Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 2. The impact was severe enough to cause significant physical harm to both victims.

Federal Jurisdiction and Investigative Efforts

Because the incident involved an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation and occurred within the District of New Mexico, the case fell under federal jurisdiction. The investigation was a collaborative effort led by the Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office. Federal agents worked alongside the Navajo Nation Police Department and the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations to reconstruct the scene and gather evidence of Shorty’s impairment at the time of the collision.

Potential Penalties and Sentencing

Shorty pleaded guilty to two counts of assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Under federal statutes, these charges carry a substantial penalty, and Shorty faces a maximum of 10 years in prison. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Special Agent in Charge Justin A. Garris confirmed the guilty plea, noting that the case underscores the ongoing commitment to prosecuting violent and alcohol related crimes in Indian Country.