Guatemalan National Sentenced to Federal Prison for Assaulting a Border Patrol Agent Near Uvalde, Texas

In Del Rio, Texas, a federal judge sentenced a 21-year-old Guatemalan national to five years in federal prison for assaulting a U.S. Border Patrol agent in 2016 announced United States Attorney John F. Bash and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs, San Antonio Division.

In addition to the prison term, United States District Judge Alia Moses ordered that Elias de Jesus Gregorio de Paz pay $5,767.28 restitution to his victim for medical expenses and lost wages.

On March 9, 2017, Gregorio pleaded guilty to one count of assault on a federal officer.  By pleading guilty, Gregorio admitted that on November 19, 2016, he intentionally assaulted a U.S. Border Patrol agent while the agent was engaged in the performance of his duties.  According to court records, U.S. Border Patrol agents working in the Uvalde, TX, area encountered a two undocumented aliens on or around a stopped train.  One undocumented alien absconded.  The other, Gregorio de Paz, engaged in an altercation with the agent causing him to suffer a concussion.  Gregorio de Paz fled the scene, but was captured three days later by U.S. Border Patrol agents in the Del Rio area.

Gregorio de Paz has remained in federal custody since his arrest.

“This case demonstrates the great sacrifice Border Patrol Agents make every day, often risking their lives to protect our nation. Violence against Border Patrol Agents will not be tolerated,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs, San Antonio Division.

The FBI investigated this case.  Assistant United States Attorney Paul Harle prosecuted this case.