Indian Country justice News

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• Zuni Pueblo Man Faces Federal Kidnapping Charges After Alleged Sexual Assault Of Woman Lured Into Vehicle

  Published: Mar 31, 2026

  Section: Crime

  Barton Rico Cooeyate, 41, has been charged with kidnapping by inveiglement following a March 23 incident within the Zuni Pueblo. Authorities allege Cooeyate tricked a woman into hi...

• Navajo Nation Man Receives Eight Year Federal Prison Sentence For Armed Home Invasion And Assault

  Published: Mar 31, 2026

  Section: Crime

  James Smiley Jr. was sentenced in federal court on Monday to 102 months in prison for a violent 2025 incident involving the brandishing and discharge of a firearm. The 56 year old...

• Zuni Pueblo Man Receives 12 Year Federal Prison Sentence for Shotgun Attack on Occupied Vehicle

  Published: Mar 26, 2026

  Section: Crime

  Cody Laweka, a 35 year old member of the Pueblo of Zuni, has been sentenced to 12 years in federal prison following a violent shooting incident in early 2025. Court documents revea...