Federal trial delayed for Zuni man in kidnapping case
Federal trial for Zuni man accused of kidnapping and assault pushed to February 2027 amid plea talks.
The Pete V. Domenici United States Courthouse in Albuquerque, New Mexico, built in 1998 and named after New Mexico's longest serving U.S. senator (Jamie Ross/Courthouse News)
A federal trial for Michael Clubfoot, a 45-year-old enrolled member of the Zuni Pueblo, has been rescheduled for Feb. 8, 2027. U.S. District Judge Kea Riggs granted a 90-day continuance during a hearing on Nov. 3, 2026, vacating the original Dec. 14, 2026, trial date.
Clubfoot faces six federal charges, including kidnapping in Indian Country, assault with a dangerous weapon, and firearm-related offenses. The allegations stem from a May 18, 2024, incident in which Clubfoot and two co-defendants allegedly held a woman at gunpoint at his residence in Zuni, New Mexico, following a dispute over a missing truck.
Defense attorney Barry Porter requested the delay to allow for the review of new DNA evidence, the examination of testimonies from co-defendants, and to continue plea negotiations. Two co-defendants, Carlyn Calavaza and Alexis Mahooty, previously accepted plea agreements in 2025.
According to court records, the government extended a new plea offer to Clubfoot on Oct. 7, 2026. Regarding the status of the case, Porter stated that it is currently close to resolution through a potential plea agreement.
In addition to the new trial date, the court extended the deadline for substantive motions to Jan. 4, 2027, and scheduled a Call of Calendar for Feb. 4, 2027.