Shiprock Woman Charged with Federal Firearms Offense

Photo byHCTR

A Shiprock resident has been indicted for participating in a straw purchase of a firearm, which was subsequently used in a murder that occurred during a violent crime spree in Gallup, New Mexico. Brittania Navaho, a 28-year-old woman who is a registered member of the Navajo Nation, appeared before a federal judge and will be held in custody until her trial, the date of which has not yet been determined.

The indictment alleges that on April 24, 2024, Navaho knowingly acquired a weapon for someone else, fully aware that the individual intended to utilize the firearm to commit a felony.

If found guilty of the present accusations, Navaho could potentially be sentenced to a maximum of 25 years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.

Today, U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez, along with Raul Bujanda, the Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced this development.

This particular case is being pursued as part of the Department of Justice's Regional Outreach Program for Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP). The primary objective of this program is to contribute to the prevention and response efforts regarding missing or murdered Indigenous individuals by resolving MMIP cases and fostering communication, coordination, and collaboration with federal, Tribal, state, and local partners. The Department recognizes the significance of this work and considers it a top priority for its law enforcement divisions. Through the MMIP Regional Outreach Program, a wide range of stakeholders collaborate to identify MMIP cases and challenges within Tribal communities and devise comprehensive strategies to address them. By prosecuting this case, the Department remains committed to fulfilling its mission of tirelessly pursuing justice for Indigenous victims and their families.

This particular case was brought to trial under the fresh criminal provisions of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which had been passed by Congress and signed by the President in June 2022. This Act holds the distinction of being the initial federal law that has been specifically crafted to combat the illegal trafficking and straw purchases of firearms.