A Farmington woman has pleaded guilty to federal charges after intentionally causing a motorcyclist to crash following an argument. Tenille Quintawna Peshlakai, 33, who is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, entered her plea on July 30, 2025.
Court records show that on September 2, 2024, Peshlakai argued with the victim at a gas station before leaving. She later turned around, caught up to the victim, and swerved her vehicle to block his path. The action forced the motorcyclist to lay down his motorcycle and crash into Peshlakai’s vehicle. Peshlakai left the scene before law enforcement or medical personnel arrived.
Peshlakai pleaded guilty to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon. She faces up to ten years in prison at sentencing and could be subject to up to three years of supervised release upon completion of her sentence.
“Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Acting Special Agent in Charge Philip Russell of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office made the announcement today.”
The case was investigated by the Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations as well as the New Mexico State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Marshall is prosecuting.
