Jonas Michael Fucito, a 32-year-old convicted felon, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release after an armed standoff with police. The incident involved the shooting of a Greenville Police Department officer.
"The defendant shot a police officer, put a child in harm’s way, and caused havoc in his neighborhood," stated Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar. "We will simply not tolerate violence against law enforcement. This sentence reflects our commitment to holding accountable those who seek to cause violence and ensuring the safety of the brave men and women who wear the badge."
"This senseless attack highlights the many dangers our brave men and women in law enforcement face every day," said Special Agent in Charge Alicia Jones. "Attacks on law enforcement cannot be tolerated, and ATF will continue to use every resource available to target those who threaten our partners and endanger our communities."
Court documents reveal that on April 2, 2024, officers responded to Fucito's residence following a report of domestic disturbance where he allegedly assaulted a victim. Upon arrival, Fucito barricaded himself with his child inside the apartment and fired a shotgun through the front door at officers, injuring one officer's forearm.
As a convicted felon, Fucito was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition; however, authorities recovered a loaded 12-gauge shotgun and ammunition from his apartment along with a spent shell casing found in the bedroom closet.
The situation escalated into a five-hour standoff during which Fucito threatened anyone approaching the door. Negotiations failed leading officers to enter through the back door where they apprehended him without harm to his child.
Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar announced this sentencing after Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II delivered it. The investigation was conducted by the Greenville Police Department and ATF while Assistant U.S Attorneys Ashley Foxx and Phil Aubart prosecuted this case.
