CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 49-year-old Weslaco man has
entered a guilty plea to one count of threatening to assault a federal law
enforcement officer while engaged in the performance of official duties,
announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
On Dec. 20, 2018, Daniel Campos Jr. entered the primary
inspection lane of the U.S. Border Patrol Checkpoint located near Falfurrias
driving a tractor trailer. While there, Border Patrol (BP) agents attempted to
question him, at which time Campos became hostile, argumentative and refused to
answer questions.
During this exchange, a BP canine alerted to the vehicle. As
a result, authorities directed Campos to secondary inspection for further
processing. While attempting to get him to proceed there, Campos yelled, cursed
and refused to comply with the agents request. Campos eventually relented and
proceeded to secondary inspection.
At secondary, he continued to yell, shouting, homophobic
remarks and threatened five BP agents. Specifically, he threatened to kick the
BP canine in the nose, said he would engage in inappropriate conduct with the
agents’ mothers and threatened to harm the agents if he saw them outside of
their uniforms.
At today’s hearing, Campos admitted he threatened the
agents, acknowledging he did so in order to intimidate, impede and interfere
with the agents’ investigation. He also confirmed the threat occurred as a
result of the agents performing their official duties as BP agents.
U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos accepted the plea
and set sentencing for June 27, 2019. At that time, Campos faces up to six
years in federal prison and possible $250,000 maximum fine.
Campos will remain in custody pending that hearing.
The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney
Jeremy C. Fugate is prosecuting the case.
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