Shiprock Man Sentenced for Violent Assault
ALBUQUERQUE / Monday, August 24, 2026 – A Shiprock man was sentenced to 27 months in prison for an assault that left a victim with life-threatening injuries.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, on November 18, 2025, Darrell Joe Ben, Jr., 36, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, assaulted his ex-girlfriend while he was intoxicated. Officers detained Ben at the scene. The victim was transported to a local hospital and received treatment for critical injuries, including a hematoma, an orbital fracture, nasal fractures, multiple broken ribs, and lung damage that necessitated the use of a ventilator. She was transferred to an intensive care unit in Albuquerque for further treatment.
Ben pleaded guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury and assault resulting in substantial bodily injury of a dating partner. Upon his release from prison, Ben will be subject to three years of supervised release.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Special Agent in Charge Justin A. Garris of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office made the announcement today.
The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with the assistance of the Navajo Nation Police Department and Navajo Nation Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Teleky prosecuted the case.
Source: U.S. Attorney's Office, District of New Mexico
