PHOENIX (LAWFUEL) – James Spotted-Hawk Miles, 32, of Scottsdale, Ariz. and a member of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Tribe, was sentenced here yesterday to 10 years in federal prison by U.S. District Judge James A. Teilborg. Miles pleaded guilty on August 11, 2008 to Assault with a Dangerous Weapon.
On November 23, 2007, on the Salt River Pima- Maricopa Indian Reservation, Miles purchased methamphetamine from his 34-year-old victim, also a member of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Tribe. After testing the meth, Miles determined the meth was of poor quality and, with a handgun, confronted the victim about the quality of the meth. The victim fled into an agricultural field with Miles in pursuit. Miles eventually caught the victim and a struggle ensued. During the struggle, Miles shot and wounded the victim. Miles then fled the area, but was later apprehended by law enforcement after a high speed vehicle pursuit. The victim was hospitalized but recovered from his wounds.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Salt River Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Thomas C. Simon, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-07-1378-PHX-JAT
RELEASE NUMBER: 2008-337(Miles)
