ALBUQUERQUE — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)), published as received.
ALBUQUERQUE – A McKinley County man pleaded guilty to assaulting a woman after offering her a ride in his car, then driving her toward a remote residence and repeatedly groping her along the way, despite her repeatedly ordering him to stop.
According to court documents, on March 23, 2026, Barton Rico Cooeyate, 41, offered the victim a ride while she was walking along a road within the exterior boundaries of the Zuni Pueblo. After the victim accepted, Cooeyate suggested they drive to a location in Vanderwagen, New Mexico. Instead, Cooeyate drove past the turnoff and headed toward a rural residence approximately 15 miles away. During the drive, Cooeyate repeatedly touched the victim’s breasts and thighs over her clothing and attempted to kiss her despite her telling him she did not want to be touched. The victim ultimately escaped Cooeyate’s car and hid until a Zuni Pueblo Tribal Ranger stopped Cooeyate for an unrelated DWI investigation. The victim suffered injuries, including a contusion to her left forearm.
Cooeyate pleaded guilty to Assault with Intent to Commit Any Felony. At sentencing, Cooeyate faces up to 10 years in prison, to be followed by up to three years of supervised release.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Special Agent in Charge Justin A. Garris of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office made the announcement today.
The Gallup Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Zuni Fish and Wildlife and the Zuni Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary C. Jones is prosecuting the case.
