Corpus Man Convicted of Assaulting a Federal Officer

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX—Kenneth Ray Santamaria, 18, of Corpus Christi, Texas, has entered a plea of guilty to assaulting a federal officer, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today. Santamaria was set for trial this week in federal court in Corpus Christi but opted to plead guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos.

At the plea hearing, Santamaria admitted that on February 13, 2012, he struck a local deputy United States Marshal in the face with a closed fist. The deputy was attempting to serve a fugitive warrant at a residence in Corpus Christi and was attempting to subdue an unruly citizen. Several residents from the surrounding area were present and witnessed the assault.

Judge Ramos has set sentencing for August 30, 2012, at which time Santamaria faces up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. Santamaria has been in custody since his arrest on February 13, 2012, where he will remain pending his sentencing hearing.

This case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sam Brown, IV.