Posted on 09/30/2003 8:20:28 AM PDT by raybbr
NORFOLK -- A federal judge sentenced a Mexican migrant worker on Tuesday to 22 years and seven months for the attempted murder of a state trooper on the Eastern Shore.
In June, a jury convicted Ipolito Campos, 38, of shooting Trooper Howard A. Chambers during a raid at Campos' home near Accomac on the night of Feb. 4. Chambers suffered nerve and tissue damage and still has 25 pieces of metal in his body. Police shot and killed Campos' roommate, Aaron ``Flaco'' Ojeda Alfrado.
State Police and the FBI organized the raid after investigating a tip that Campos threatened to poison the public water supply on the Eastern Shore. Law officers found no evidence to prove the allegation.
During the trial, Campos' lawyers argued that he shot in self-defense, believing that the men who broke down the door of the house had come to rob him and Alfrado. Campos speaks Spanish, the lawyers said, and did not understand officers' cries of ``State Police! Search warrant!''
In Tuesday's hearing, defense lawyers played a videotape recorded in Campos' hometown of Veracruz, Mexico. Family members and friends spoke to the camera in Spanish, saying Campos had been a hard worker and a good man. Defense lawyers provided a written translation to U.S. District Judge Henry C. Morgan and prosecutors.
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``Oh, why did I let him leave my house?'' his wife said. She was not identified by name. She said Campos sent money so she and the children could eat.
A friend said he tried to persuade Ipolito to stay in Mexico because he had no marketable skills to bring to the United States. But fishermen such as Campos could make no money because of decreasing catches, so he felt he had to go north to support his family.
Prosecutors argued that Campos should be sentenced to more time than suggested by federal guidelines because he committed perjury during his trial testimony, and because he tried to blame police for what happened.
``The experience of police officers in this matter is taken cavalierly by the defense,'' U.S. Attorney Michael Smythers said. ``This was traumatic and horrible. The police have a very difficult role, and they don't get the most remuneration for it.''
Morgan disagreed with Smythers' assessment of defense lawyers' attitude, and said he would not be persuaded by arguments that failure to sentence Campos to the maximum term available would show a lack of support for police.
Campos pleaded for forgiveness, saying his family was poor and needed him.
``Never in my life have I hurt anyone,'' Campos said. ``I ask you to forgive me; forgive me, please. Everyone forgive me.''
Morgan told him the court had no power to extend forgiveness, but only to punish for crimes. Morgan also levied a fine of more than $14,000 against Campos for Chambers' medical bills.
Chambers declined to comment after the hearing.
``Never in my life have I hurt anyone,'' Campos said. ``I ask you to forgive me; forgive me, please. Everyone forgive me.''
This piece of garbage wants sympathy now!!!!
Campos speaks Spanish, the lawyers said, and did not understand officers' cries of ``State Police! Search warrant!''
Too damn bad you POS. If you had bothered to learn English you might not be in the position you are in.
BTW. I did a search and could find no reference to this article. If it is a repost, I apologize in advance.
Owl_Eagle
”Guns Before Butter.”
Aaron ``Flaco'' Ojeda Alfrado? Get ready America, this is your new neighbor.
It's a fedgov approved immigration disaster......
"Oh we can't mention he's an illegal... why, people would think that they are not all law-abiding!"
On the plus side, he's got 22 years to learn some English, which he can then use at home when his worthless carcass is deported on release. He'll probably pick up about a word a year in the clink.
d.o.l.
Criminal Number 18F
It's interesting how someone too stupid to learn any English can figure out how to get phony papers and false SS#s. It always amazes me how some of these people live here 20-30 years and cannot manage to pick up even a few English words --- and yet many or most Americans learn at least some Spanish just to take a 2 week vacation in Mexico.
I'd bet this is what this guy is really all about ---- and the reason for his paranoia.
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