A Laguna man has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for a deadly DWI crash that occurred on the Laguna Pueblo in 2022. The incident resulted in the deaths of three members of the same family.
Court documents reveal that on August 7, 2022, Cody Allen Charlie, aged 38 and an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Laguna, was driving intoxicated at a speed of 116 miles per hour while using his cell phone. He collided with another vehicle on Interstate 40 near mile marker 130. The impact caused the other vehicle to veer off the road and roll over, leading to the deaths of all three occupants. Following the crash, Charlie fled the scene without offering assistance.
After serving his prison term, Charlie will undergo five years of supervised release. During this period, he must make full monetary restitution to his victims and will be subject to alcohol and substance-abuse monitoring. Additionally, he is required to complete mental-health and substance-abuse programs. As a convicted felon, Charlie is prohibited from owning or possessing firearms.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez announced the sentence today.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs conducted the investigation with support from the Laguna Police Department and New Mexico State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brittany DuChaussee and Zachary C. Jones are handling prosecution responsibilities.