A Farmington woman, Tenille Quintawna Peshlakai, was sentenced to five years of probation after pleading guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon, according to an April 13 announcement by federal authorities.
The case centers on an incident in which Peshlakai intentionally caused a motorcyclist to crash following an argument. There is no parole in the federal system.
Court records show that on September 2, 2024, Peshlakai, who is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, argued with the victim at a gas station before driving away. She then turned around and caught up to the victim before swerving her vehicle to block his path. This maneuver forced the victim to lay down his motorcycle and crash into her vehicle. Authorities said Peshlakai fled the scene before law enforcement or medical personnel arrived.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement regarding Peshlakai’s sentencing.
The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case 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.
