Skip to main content
Press Release

Augusta Man Sentenced to 16 Months for Assaulting Federal Officer at Muskie Federal Building

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

BANGOR, Maine: An Augusta man was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Bangor today for assaulting a federal officer at the Edmund S. Muskie Federal Building in Augusta in April 2022.

U.S. District Judge Lance E. Walker sentenced Derik Broox Wight, 41, to 16 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Wight pleaded guilty on September 27, 2022.

According to court records, on April 20, 2022, Wight entered the Muskie Federal Building and approached the security screening station, which was staffed by personnel contracted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Protective Service (FPS). Wight pressed a security officer against a wall and put a knife to the area of his throat. A second security officer drew his service weapon and ordered Wight to drop the knife. When Wight refused to comply, the officer fired a single shot, striking him. Wight was transported to an area hospital where he was subsequently charged.

“Everyone who enters a federal building in Maine should know that the Federal Protective Service and their partners are on scene to protect visitors and tenants. It can be a difficult and dangerous job, and I commend the quick actions of the FPS officers and thank them for preventing any innocent bystanders from being injured,” U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee said.

“When this senseless attack took place, FPS-contracted Protective Security Officers acted professionally and swiftly to stop the attack and ensure the safety of all involved,” said Joseph Carriuolo, Acting Regional Director, Region 1, Federal Protective Service. “We’re grateful for their bravery, as well as the close collaboration with our federal, state, and local partners to protect those who work at and visit federal facilities in Maine and who maintain overall public safety.”

“As law enforcement officers, we all take an oath to protect the public from harm. When Derik Wight assaulted a protective security officer with a knife, another brave officer took immediate action to prevent others from being harmed. We are incredibly thankful for these officers’ courageous actions that day,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Today’s sentence ensures that Mr. Wight is held accountable for his criminal conduct and also reinforces the fact that assaults on law enforcement officers undermine the rule of law and will not be tolerated.”

The FBI, FPS and Augusta Police Department investigated the case.

Contact

Joel Casey, Assistant United States Attorney, (207-945-0373)

Updated March 14, 2023

Topic
Violent Crime