Albuquerque Man Pleads Guilty to Drunk Driving Crash Causing Serious Injuries

ALBUQUERQUE – An Albuquerque man has pleaded guilty in federal court to assault charges stemming from a drunk driving crash on Santa Ana Pueblo in 2021 that left the other driver seriously injured.

In his plea agreement, Lionel Medina, 29, an enrolled member of the Zia Pueblo, admitted that on December 1, 2021, he drove while under the influence of alcohol. Medina was driving recklessly and crashed into a vehicle driven by Jane Doe.

As a result, Jane Doe suffered fractures to her spine, sternum, arm, leg, and foot.

The Court ordered that Medina remain on conditions of release pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled.

At sentencing, Medina faces up to 10 years in prison. Upon his release from prison, Medina will be subject to up to three years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez made the announcement today.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case with assistance from the Santa Ana Police Department and Sandoval County Sheriff’s department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meg Tomlinson is prosecuting the case.

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