Laguna Man Pleads Guilty to Domestic Violence

ALBUQUERQUE – A Laguna man pleaded guilty in federal court to assault of an intimate partner by strangling and assault with a dangerous weapon.

In his plea agreement, Bret Anthony Vallo, 38, admitted that on May 30, 2019, he engaged in a verbal argument with Jane Doe that escalated into a physical altercation. Vallo approached Doe from behind, wrapped his arm around her neck, and strangled her until she lost consciousness.

Then, in July 2019, Vallo again engaged in a verbal dispute with Jane Doe that turned violent. This time, Vallo punched Doe in the face and struck her multiple times with a metal futon leg.

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

At sentencing, Vallo faces up to 10 years in prison. Upon his release from prison, Vallo 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 the case with the assistance of the Acoma Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert James Booth II is prosecuting the case.

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