U.S. Attorney ’s Office and FBI Charge Arizona Woman with Child Abuse

ALBUQUERQUE – An Arizona woman has been charged by indictment on multiple counts of abandonment and abuse of a child for allegedly placing three girls in a dangerous situation earlier this year.

Avedale Johnson, 40, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, appeared before a federal judge last week and was placed on conditions of release pending trial.

According to the indictment, on May 4, 2024, Johnson is accused of putting Jane Doe 1, Jane Doe 2, and Jane Doe 3—three children under the age of 18—at significant risk of harm by placing them in a situation that could have endangered their lives and health.

If convicted, Johnson faces up to three years in prison.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

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. Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin L. Dillon is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.