Two members of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, Harlyn Cody Geronimo, 49, and Raymond Shaun Chee, 28, have been charged with federal offenses related to an alleged assault on September 11, 2025. The incident took place at a residence within the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation.
Court documents state that John Doe was assaulted without provocation by Geronimo and Chee. Witnesses reported that Geronimo, wearing steel-toed boots, kicked John Doe in the head while Chee also participated in the attack. The victim lost consciousness and sustained multiple injuries, including serious head trauma requiring medical attention.
After the assault, Chee reportedly fled the scene. Upon his arrest, Geronimo’s steel-toed boots were recovered and found to have dried blood on them. Despite witness accounts implicating him in the assault, Geronimo denied involvement.
Both men are charged with assault causing serious bodily injury. If convicted, they could face up to ten years in prison.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison announced the charges. The Bureau of Indian Affairs is handling the investigation, while Assistant U.S. Attorney Silvia Delgado is prosecuting the case.
Authorities remind that a criminal complaint or indictment is only an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
