An Arizona woman pleaded guilty in a federal court in Albuquerque to assimilated federal charges after a high-speed, alcohol-fueled crash that endangered three young children.
According to the Department of Justice, on May 4, 2024, Avedale Johnson, 40, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, drove intoxicated at speeds over 100 mph on U.S. Highway 491 with three unbelted children under 12 in her car, crashed into another vehicle, and fled from law enforcement. The three unbelted children were unharmed during the incident. Johnson later admitted to drinking vodka before the incident.
Johnson pleaded guilty to abandonment or abuse of a child (no death or great bodily harm).
Johnson will be subject to up to three years in prison and five years of supervised probation.