Daniel Lehi, a 44-year-old resident of Towaoc, Colorado, has been sentenced to five years in prison followed by three years of supervised release. This sentence comes after Lehi pleaded guilty to assaulting a federal officer.
The incident occurred on April 5, 2024, at the Ute Mountain Ute Casino located within the Ute Mountain Ute Reservation boundaries. A Bureau of Indian Affairs Officer responded to reports of an intoxicated individual, identified as Lehi. During the encounter, Lehi lunged at the officer and struck him in the face. Additional security personnel were required to subdue him as he continued to resist.
United States District Court Judge Gordon P. Gallagher considered several factors before sentencing Lehi, including his history of assaults on law enforcement officers.
“Assault on a law enforcement officer is a serious offense, and this defendant received a serious sentence for his actions,” stated Acting United States Attorney for the District of Colorado Matt Kirsch. He also acknowledged the BIA officer's handling of the situation.
FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek commented on the case: “This attack on a federal officer simply doing his job is unacceptable. We fully support the officer who is a victim in this case and are steadfast in our commitment to pursuing justice in cases involving assaults on law enforcement officers.” He emphasized that such acts will not go unanswered.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Durango Field Office and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant United States Attorney Lisa Franceware led the prosecution.
Case Number: 1:24-cr-00182-GPG