PHOENIX – On Oct. 31, 2016, Verland Anthony Sabori, 35, of Laveen, Ariz., an enrolled member of the Gila River Indian Community, was sentenced by Judge Douglas L. Rayes to 65 months in federal prison, followed by a term of three years of supervised release. Sabori had previously pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon.
On Dec. 15, 2016, Sabori, a three-time felon, shot the victim, who is also a tribal member, in the back, causing life-threatening bodily injury. The incident occurred within the boundaries of the Gila River Indian Community.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Gila River Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Christina Covault, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.