Salina Nicole Sandoval, a 30-year-old member of the San Felipe Pueblo, has pleaded guilty to assaulting an 8-month-old infant, causing serious bodily injury. The incident occurred at Sandoval’s home in Sandoval County, New Mexico, and resulted in intracranial hemorrhages and other injuries. Sandoval could face up to 10 years in prison. The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated the case, and Special Assistant United States Attorney Mark A. Probasco is prosecuting. justice.gov reported

In a significant development, Salina Nicole Sandoval, a 30-year-old resident of San Felipe, New Mexico, and a member of the San Felipe Pueblo, has pleaded guilty to the charge of assaulting an 8-month-old infant. This distressing incident resulted in severe bodily harm to the infant, who is also a member of the San Felipe Pueblo. The assault took place at Sandoval’s residence in Sandoval County, New Mexico, within the San Felipe Pueblo on January 21, 2022. The injuries inflicted upon the child include intracranial hemorrhages, shearing venous injuries, and retinal hemorrhages in the left eye, ultimately diagnosed as abusive head trauma.

Salina Nicole Sandoval, who is presently not in custody and has been granted conditional release, awaits sentencing, the date for which has yet to be determined. If convicted, she could face a maximum prison term of up to 10 years. The Bureau of Indian Affairs has diligently investigated this distressing case, while the prosecution is being handled by Special Assistant United States Attorney Mark A. Probasco.

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