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Press Release

Man Sentenced For Assaulting Customs And Border Protection Officer At Orlando International Airport

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Middle District of Florida

Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron has sentenced John Craig Myrick (67, Groveland) to seven years and three months in federal prison for forcible assaulting a federal officer causing bodily injury. Myrick was convicted following a two-day jury trial on January 8, 2019.

According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, on August 11, 2018, Myrick arrived at the Orlando International Airport from Bogota, Colombia. While passing through the screening area, a Customs and Border Protection officer (CBPO) directed Myrick to the baggage control seating area. While in the seating area, Myrick had an altercation with another CBPO who attempted to control Myrick by grabbing Myrick’s arm. Myrick resisted, fell on top of the CBPO, and began punching the officer in the back of the head several times. The CBPO suffered a fractured ankle in the process.

“This case emphasizes zero tolerance for violence against law enforcement,” said HSI Orlando Assistant Special Agent in Charge David J. Pezzutti. “Thanks to our law enforcement partners, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection, this man will be held accountable for his actions.”

This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Brandon Bayliss, on assignment from the Office of Principal Legal Advisor, ICE, and Assistant United States Attorney E. Jackson Boggs.

Updated April 11, 2019

Topics
Immigration
Violent Crime