Two Indicted for Assault of Border Patrol Agent

LAREDO, TX—Mexican National Jose Luis Zavala-Rodriguez, aka Jose Juan Zavala-Rodriguez or Jose Juan Rodriguez-Rosa, 22, and Johnny Jose Redrovan-Pesantez, 23, of Ecuador, have been charged with assault of a federal officer causing bodily injury, announced United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson. Zavala-Rodriguez is also charged with conspiracy to transport aliens and transporting an alien for personal financial gain.

Currently in custody, both men are expected to make an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Scott Hacker tomorrow, at which time the government expects to request their continued detention pending further criminal proceedings.

The indictment, returned today, alleges that on or about October 23, 2013, the men did knowingly forcibly assault, resist, oppose, impede, intimidate, and interfere with a U.S. Border Patrol agent while he was performing his official duties. The agent required medical attention but survived.

The three-count indictment also alleges that Zavala-Rodriguez conspired to transport as well as transporting an alien who had entered and remained in the United States illegally for the purpose of commercial advantage and private financial gain.

If convicted of the assault on the officer, each faces up to 20 years in prison and a possible $250,000 fine. Zavala-Rodriguez further faces an additional 10-year possible sentence on each of the remaining two charges, upon conviction, as well as a $250,000 fine.

The case was investigated by FBI and the Laredo Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Homero Ramirez.

An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.