Posted on 02/05/2010 3:02:24 PM PST by SwinneySwitch
LAREDO, TX—Rigoberto Torres-Gomez, a native of El Salvador illegally in the United States, has pleaded guilty to assaulting a Border Patrol (BP) agent, United States Attorney Tim Johnson announced today. Torres-Gomez, 29, entered his guilty plea today before United States District Court Judge Micaela Alvarez.
On Feb. 15, 2009, two BP agents were on foot inside the Triple S Ranch near mile-marker 35, north of Laredo searching for illegal aliens. The agents then received information that a group of illegal aliens were heading east toward IH-35. Both agents jumped the fence and began running east toward IH-35 to apprehend the aliens.
One agent saw several illegal aliens loading into an Isuzu parked on the shoulder of IH-35. When the agent attempted to arrest one of the illegal aliens, the alien resisted. When the agent sought to restrain the alien, the alien pushed the agent in front of the Isuzu. The agent drew his service weapon and ordered Torres-Gomez, the driver of the Isuzu, to turn off the engine to no avail. At today’s hearing, Torres-Gomes admitted he accelerated the vehicle and struck the BP agent on the wrist and left side of his body. At that time, the agent fired one shot and struck Torres-Gomez in the chest. Torres-Gomez continued driving the Isuzu for approximately 400 yards. The BP agent was treated for his injuries and released from Doctor’s Hospital. Torres-Gomez was hospitalized for treatment of his chest wound and later released.
The conviction for assaulting a federal agent carries a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000. After the guilty plea, Judge Alvarez ordered that a Pre-Sentence Investigation report be prepared, after which Torres-Gomes will be sentenced April 29, 2010.
The investigation leading to the assault on a federal agent charge was conducted by the FBI. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sam Sheldon and Michael Elliott.
Scouts Out! Cavalry Ho!
THREAD BUMP and thanks for posting this press release Swinney Switch.
UPDATE:
June 29, 2010
NOTE The following text is a quote:
http://sanantonio.fbi.gov/dojpressrel/pressrel10/sa062910.htm
Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Assaulting a Border Patrol Agent with His Vehicle
LAREDO, TX—Rigoberto Torres-Gomez, a citizen of El Salvador who was illegally residing in Houston, has been sentenced to 55 months in the Bureau of Prisons for assault on a federal officer while in the performance of his official duties by means and use of a dangerous weapon, United States Attorney José Angel Moreno announced today. Torres, 30, was arrested after he assaulted a Border Patrol agent with his vehicle on IH-35 near Laredo, Texas, during an attempt to transport 10 illegal aliens.
On Feb. 15, 2009, at approximately 10 p.m., Border Patrol (BP) agents observed 10 suspected undocumented aliens running out of the brush and into Torres’ Isuzu Rodeo parked along the access road to the highway. A BP agent, who was tracking the group through the brush, approached the vehicle, attempted to apprehend the subjects and began struggling with one of the undocumented aliens which left the agent in front of the vehicle. The agent drew his service weapon and ordered Torres to turn off the vehicle and for the occupants to exit. that point, Torres accelerated and struck the agent with the vehicle. As the vehicle approached him, the agent tried to move in order to avoid being hit and fired his service weapon, wounding Torres. The vehicle came to a stop alongside the access road and Torres was treated by BP agents for his injuries at the scene and was later taken to a local hospital. The agent was also taken to the hospital where he was treated for his injuries.
The two-count superseding indictment charging Torres with transportation of an illegal alien for financial gain and assault on a federal officer was returned Sept. 1, 2009. On Feb. 4, 2010, Torres pleaded guilty to count two of the indictment.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Sam Sheldon and Michael C. Elliott.
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