Greenville Man Sentenced Following Armed Standoff with Police

WILMINGTON, N.C. – Jonas Michael Fucito, 32, a convicted felon, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison and three years of supervised release, following a violent armed standoff with law enforcement that resulted in 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,” said 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.”

According to court documents and other information presented in court, on April 2, 2024, officers responded to the scene of a domestic disturbance at Fucito’s residence after a victim reported being assaulted by Fucito.  Upon the officers’ arrival, Fucito barricaded himself and his child inside the apartment. As officers attempted to make contact, Fucito fired a shotgun through the front door, striking an officer in the forearm.

As a convicted felon, Fucito was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. Despite this, a loaded 12-gauge shotgun and ammunition were later recovered from his apartment. Officers also found a spent shell casing in the bedroom closet.

The incident led to a five-hour standoff, during which Fucito made threats to shoot anyone who approached the door. Negotiations were attempted but ultimately failed, and officers entered the apartment through the back door and took Fucito into custody. The child was recovered safely and unharmed.

Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. The Greenville Police Department and the ATF investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ashley Foxx and Phil Aubart prosecuted the case.

Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:24-CR-00077.