LAREDO, TEXAS — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (USAO - Texas, Southern), published as received.
LAREDO, Texas – A 39-year-old Mexican national has just admitted he assaulted a Border Patrol (BP) agent with a flashlight, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Melecio Lopez-Hernandez was arrested Feb. 7, 2019, after a BP agent encountered him walking through the brush south of Freer. He began to struggle as the agent attempted to detain him, during which time Lopez-Hernandez dislodged a flashlight that was clipped to the agent’s outer vest.
After verbally threatening him, Lopez-Hernandez then struck the agent in the head with the flashlight. The agent sustained injuries from the impact.
Sentencing has been set for Sept. 17, 2019, before U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo. At that time, Lopez-Hernandez faces up to 20 years in prison and a possible $250,000 fine.
He has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing
The FBI and Border Patrol conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Day is prosecuting the case.
