Mexican National Sentenced to Prison for Assaulting Border Patrol Agent

TUCSON, Ariz. – Elias Lunes-Gomez, 19, of Mexico, was sentenced on July 8, by United States District Judge John C. Hinderaker to 12 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Lunes-Gomez pleaded guilty on March 3, 2025 to Assault on a Federal Officer.

On October 26, 2024, a Border Patrol Agent encountered Lunes-Gomez wearing camouflage clothing and hiding in a tree near Menagers Dam. When the agent confronted Lunes-Gomez, a struggle ensued as Lunes-Gomez attempted to flee. During the struggle, Lunes-Gomez elbowed the agent in the ribs, causing both men to fall off a three-foot drop. Lunes-Gomez then placed his knee on the agent’s back and struck the agent several times in the back of the head. Eventually the agent was able to handcuff Lunes-Gomez, but because of the assault, the agent suffered a sprained ankle, knee pain, an elbow contusion, and lacerations to his face and hands.

United States Border Patrol conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie A. Sottosanti, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.

CASE NUMBER:        CR 24-08208-TUC-JCH
RELEASE NUMBER:  2025-118_Lunes-Gomez

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