Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Louisiana
United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. has announced that Lionel Haile of St. Francisville, Louisiana, has been sentenced to 240 months in federal prison. The sentencing by U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles follows Haile's conviction for assaulting a U.S. Postal employee with a dangerous weapon and causing bodily harm.
According to trial evidence, on December 31, 2021, Haile attacked the postal worker with a sharp object while she was delivering mail at an apartment complex in Zachary, Louisiana. The attack resulted in a stab wound to her right leg as she defended herself from further attempts aimed at her upper body and legs. She managed to escape by jumping into a passing vehicle and leaving the scene with assistance from the driver.
Haile fled after the incident but was apprehended on January 6, 2022, following his identification through CrimeStoppers.
The investigation involved the United States Postal Inspection Service, East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Zachary Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Jeremy S. Johnson and Robert W. Piedrahita prosecuted the case.
Haile will also serve three years of supervised release after completing his prison term.
