U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez | U.S. Department of Justice
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez | U.S. Department of Justice
An Arizona woman, Avedale Johnson, has been indicted on multiple charges of child abandonment and abuse. The charges allege that earlier this year, she placed three girls in a dangerous situation. Johnson, 40, is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation and appeared before a federal judge last week. She was released under certain conditions pending her trial.
The indictment states that on May 4, 2024, Johnson allegedly put Jane Doe 1, Jane Doe 2, and Jane Doe 3—three minors—at significant risk by placing them in a situation that could have endangered their lives and health. If found guilty, she could face 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, announced the charges. The investigation was conducted by the Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office with help from the Navajo Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin L. Dillon is prosecuting the case.
It is important to note that an indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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