Nicholas J. Ganjei United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas | U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas
A woman from Houston has been charged with assaulting a law enforcement officer using a machete, according to an announcement made by U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Jennifer Jesselle Perez-Rodriguez, aged 28, is currently in custody and is set to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Dena Hanovice Palermo.
The criminal complaint, which has now been unsealed, describes an incident that occurred on April 17. Federal agents in unmarked vehicles were on duty on Anderson Road in Houston when Perez-Rodriguez allegedly entered the roadway brandishing a machete. She is accused of swinging the weapon and advancing on two of the vehicles.
The authorities reportedly activated a siren in one of the vehicles while Perez-Rodriguez continued to approach with the machete. An FBI agent reportedly opened his vehicle door and commanded her to drop the weapon. According to the allegations, Perez-Rodriguez did not comply with the command.
The complaint details that the agent discharged his duty weapon at Perez-Rodriguez when she continued to pose a threat. She was struck by the gunfire and taken to a hospital for medical treatment, as stated in the charges.
If found guilty of assaulting a federal agent, Perez-Rodriguez could face a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison and a potential maximum fine of $250,000.
The investigation was carried out by the FBI with support from the Houston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Byron H. Black is managing the prosecution of the case.
The criminal complaint acts as a formal accusation and does not serve as evidence. The accused remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty through the legal process.
