A Crownpoint resident was sentenced to 40 months in federal prison following a fatal car crash involving alcohol and prescription opioids. The incident occurred on July 3, 2024, when Joey Martin, age 56 and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was driving with a passenger on State Highway 371 in Crownpoint, New Mexico. According to court documents, Martin swerved to avoid a semitruck and lost control of his vehicle, resulting in the death of his passenger.
After the accident, Martin admitted that he had taken opioid pain medication about one or two hours before driving. He later pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter.
Martin will also serve three years of supervised release after completing his prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
The announcement was made by First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison. “First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison made the announcement today.”
The case was investigated by the Navajo Nation Police Department and the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Pahl is handling the prosecution.