New Plea Agreement in the Case of Missing Navajo Grandmother Ella Mae Begay

Preston Henry Tolth, 26, has pleaded guilty to robbery in connection with the disappearance of Ella Mae Begay, a 62-year-old Navajo grandmother who went missing in 2021 from Sweetwater, Arizona. This case has drawn significant attention to the ongoing crisis of violence against Native Americans. Under the plea agreement, Tolth could face a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison, with credit for three years already served.

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Ella Mae Begay was known for her community involvement and her craft of weaving rugs. Her disappearance has been a focal point for raising awareness about the high rates of homicides and missing persons cases within Indian Country. Following her disappearance, her niece, Seraphine Warren, undertook a walk from the Navajo Nation to Washington, D.C., to advocate for more resources and cooperation between tribal and federal law enforcement.

Albuquerque Journal

During a court hearing, Tolth admitted to using force against Begay, stating he struck her multiple times before stealing her pickup truck. He later sold the vehicle for money and methamphetamine. U.S. District Judge Douglas Rayes is set to review the plea agreement in May, which also includes a provision that protects Tolth from future murder or manslaughter charges related to Begay's case.

Albuquerque Journal

Members of Begay's family have expressed dissatisfaction with the plea agreement, claiming it was negotiated without their input. Gerald Begay, Ella Mae's son, plans to attend the next court hearing to request that the judge reject the plea deal, emphasizing that the prosecutors are not considering the family's rights or needs. He stated, “The prosecutors aren’t thinking about our rights or what we need as a family.”

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Tolth's confession during a 2021 FBI interrogation was ruled inadmissible by Judge Rayes, who determined that the FBI agent had unlawfully coerced Tolth into waiving his right to remain silent. This ruling has significantly weakened the prosecution's case against him. The judge previously rejected an earlier plea agreement that would have allowed Tolth to be released from custody after serving three years, following testimonies from Begay's family that he should not be freed without revealing the location of her remains.

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The case of Ella Mae Begay has highlighted the urgent need for improved law enforcement resources and collaboration in addressing violence against Native Americans. Advocates continue to push for systemic changes to ensure justice for victims and their families.

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• “It’s about truth, and we still don’t have the truth.” — Seraphine Warren, Niece of Ella Mae Begay

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• “The prosecutors aren’t thinking about our rights or what we need as a family,” — Gerald Begay, Son of Ella Mae Begay

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