FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT

AUSA VICKIE E. LEDUC at 410-209-4885  

August 7, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                  

http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/md                                       

MAN INDICTED FOR ASSAULT ON CLARA BARTON PARKWAY

GREENBELT, Maryland - A federal grand jury today indicted Kenneth Lee Harris, age 41, on charges of assault with a deadly weapon. United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein announces that today.

According to court documents, on August 1, 2006, Harris assaulted a woman with whom he had a relationship. The victim and Harris were riding in the victim’s vehicle on the Clara Barton Parkway when they began having a heated discussion. The victim told Harris that she was ending the relationship and Harris reached across and jerked the steering wheel, causing them to crash into the guardrail. After the crash the victim attempted to escape but Harris grabbed her, stabbing her in the neck with a pen. She was able to break free and run from the car. When law enforcement officers arrived, Harris was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with assault with a deadly weapon.

Harris faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. Harris remains in federal custody.

An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the investigative work performed by the United States Park Police and thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Hollis R. Weisman, who is prosecuting the case.

This page last modified—August 7, 2006