Prosecutors allege Julianna Venego struck and strangled a victim with a cord during a March incident, causing injuries that required treatment at a trauma center.

Organ Mountain News report

ALBUQUERQUE - A 41-year-old Mescalero woman faces a federal assault charge after prosecutors alleged she strangled a victim with a cord during a March incident, causing serious injuries that required treatment at a trauma center.

Julianna Venego, an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, is charged with assault by strangulation and suffocation in connection with an incident that allegedly occurred March 24, 2026, at her residence, according to a Nov. 6 announcement from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Mexico.

Federal prosecutors allege Venego struck the victim during an argument, wrapped a cord around the victim's neck and prevented the victim from leaving the residence.

The victim reported difficulty breathing, dizziness and fear of losing consciousness during the alleged assault.

After escaping the residence, the victim sought help and later reported the incident to law enforcement, according to prosecutors.

The victim was taken to a local hospital and subsequently transferred to a trauma center for specialized treatment.

Medical records cited by prosecutors documented injuries consistent with strangulation, including an occluded vertebral artery, neck trauma and bruising. An occluded vertebral artery involves a blockage of an artery that supplies blood to the brain.

Venego remains in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. She faces up to 10 years in federal prison if convicted of the charge.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs' Office of Justice Services investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tanisha V. Henson is prosecuting.

The charge is an allegation. Venego is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.