Elias Lunes-Gomez, a 19-year-old Mexican national, has been sentenced to 12 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. The sentencing took place on July 8 under United States District Judge John C. Hinderaker. Lunes-Gomez pleaded guilty to the charge of assaulting a federal officer on March 3, 2025.
The incident occurred on October 26, 2024, when a Border Patrol Agent found Lunes-Gomez wearing camouflage and hiding in a tree near Menagers Dam. As the agent confronted him, Lunes-Gomez attempted to flee, leading to a struggle. During this confrontation, he elbowed the agent in the ribs causing both to fall from a three-foot drop. He then placed his knee on the agent’s back and struck him several times in the head. The assault resulted in injuries for the agent including a sprained ankle, knee pain, an elbow contusion, and lacerations.
The investigation was conducted by the United States Border Patrol and prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie A. Sottosanti from the District of Arizona in Tucson.
