Lake Valley Woman Charged in Fatal Child Abuse Case

ALBUQUERQUE - A Lake Valley woman is facing federal child abuse charges after allegedly endangering two children by driving while impaired, resulting in one child's death and severe injuries to the other.

According to court documents, on March 25, 2023, Marietta Begay, 50, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, placed two minors in a situation that endangered their lives by operating a vehicle while under the influence. Her conduct resulted in one minor's death and caused great bodily harm to the second.

Begay is charged with abuse of a child resulting in death and abandonment and abuse of a child resulting in great bodily harm and will remain on conditions of release pending trial which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted, Begay faces a minimum of 18 years in prison.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Farmington Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Mondragon 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.