U.S. Border Patrol Chief Patrol Agent Robert Garcia of the Swanton sector has issued a stern warning to those who seek to harm Border Patrol agents, promising severe prison sentences. In a recent social media post, Garcia announced that an individual who assaulted a local border patrol agent is now facing a nine-year sentence.
Garcia stated, "Assault of a Border Patrol Agent has significant consequences in the State of Vermont and that is clearly demonstrated by this 9-year sentence. Thank you to our state, local, and federal partners for your support and the @USAO_VT who prosecuted the case."
In a news release from the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont, it was revealed that 32-year-old Ivan Carmona, also known as "Flacco", from Springfield, Massachusetts was sentenced last month in the United States District Court in Rutland. Carmona's sentence includes nine years in prison followed by three years of supervised release. The sentence was handed down by Chief United States District Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford.
U.S. Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest expressed his support for law enforcement officers, stating, "Our law enforcement partners make our communities safer every day. They deserve our respect and support. When law enforcement officers are assaulted while doing their jobs to enhance public safety, this office will respond with the full extent of our resources as this case demonstrates."
According to the same news release, on November 17th, 2021, Carmona was pursued by state and local law enforcement personnel with assistance from area border patrol agents. The following day near North Troy, Vermont, border patrol agents located Carmona who then attempted to flee while pointing a loaded handgun at an agent.
Special Agent in Charge James M. Ferguson of the ATF Boston Field Division emphasized the daily risks faced by law enforcement officers and affirmed ATF's commitment to justice: "Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to protect and defend our communities from violent criminals on a daily basis, and all too often those acts of violence are directed against them. This sentencing reaffirms the ATF’s commitment to hold violent members of society accountable and send to prison those who commit crimes against the brave men and women who dedicate themselves to upholding and enforcing the law."
