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Maricopa Man Sentenced to 13 Years in Prison for Assault and Discharge of a Firearm in a Crime of Violence

U.S. Attorney’s Office February 28, 2011
  • District of Arizona (602) 514-7500

PHOENIX—U.S. District Judge Neil V. Wake sentenced Bernett Steven Lopez, Jr., 25, of Sacaton, Arizona, to 13 years in prison for assault resulting in serious bodily injury and discharge of a firearm in a crime of violence.

On April 10, 2010, Lopez was drinking and shot the victim at close range in the chest. There was no known provocation for or motive regarding the shooting. The defense attorney argued at sentencing that the defendant was highly intoxicated. The victim suffered serious bodily injury, requiring multiple surgeries and hospitalization for approximately one month.

Lopez, an Ak-Chin Indian Community member, pleaded guilty to the charges on October 5, 2010.

The investigation in this case was conducted by the Ak-Chin Police Department and the FBI. The prosecution was handled by Sharon Sexton, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.

CASE NUMBER: CR-10-553-PHX-NVW

RELEASE NUMBER: 2011-029 (Lopez)

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