A man from Gallup, New Mexico, has been charged in federal court following an alleged assault that left another person with serious injuries. Dennison Billy, Jr., 35, a member of the Navajo Nation, is accused of attacking an adult victim inside a vehicle on December 31, 2025.
Court documents state that the incident occurred while the victim was driving and Billy was in the passenger seat. Officers who responded to the scene found Billy intoxicated in the passenger seat and the victim nearby with visible blood and multiple injuries. The reported injuries included facial trauma, bruising, a swollen finger, and evidence of blood and hair inside the vehicle. The victim said they exited the vehicle to avoid further harm and were later taken to a hospital for treatment.
The victim told authorities that Billy had been drinking alcohol before becoming argumentative and striking them several times. This allegedly caused a possible loss of consciousness. Medical staff identified significant injuries such as a fractured orbital wall and fractured nasal bones. When questioned by law enforcement, Billy admitted to consuming a large amount of alcohol but claimed he blacked out and could not remember what happened.
Billy has been charged with assault resulting in serious bodily injury. He will remain in custody until his trial date is set. If convicted, he faces up to ten years in prison.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison stated: “An indictment or criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.” Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, also participated in announcing the charges.
The case is being investigated by the Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office with help from the Jicarilla Apache Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron O. Jordan is prosecuting.
