Phoenix, Arizona - Monday, Nathan Joe, 36, of Nazlini, Arizona, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge John J. Tuchi to 21 months in prison for physically abusing a child on the Navajo Indian Reservation.

In February 2014, Joe physically assaulted the minor victim, including slapping him with enough force to leave a handprint-sized bruise on the victim’s face.  Both Joe and the victim were living on the Navajo Indian Reservation at the time the assault occurred.  Joe is an enrolled member of that tribe.  

The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The prosecution was handled by Christine D. Keller, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.