Man Sentenced To Prison For Assaulting Federal Officer In Owyhee, Nevada

RENO, Nev. — Richard Frank Roa Jr., 36, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Larry R. Hicks to 37 months in prison for assaulting a federal officer and causing bodily injury to the officer while he was engaged in official duties, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada.

“This case illustrates how law enforcement officers put themselves in harm’s way at a moment’s notice to protect vulnerable members of the community,” said U.S. Attorney Trutanich. “Our office is grateful to the women and men who serve on the front lines in their mission to keep our communities safe.”

Roa pleaded guilty March 3, 2020, to one count of assault on a federal officer. Roa was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service after today’s sentencing hearing.

According to court documents, on November 12, 2017, Roa’s father called the police to report that Roa was causing a disturbance and damaging a vehicle at his father’s house, located in Owyhee, Nevada. A Bureau of Indian Affairs officer responded to the call. When the officer arrived, Roa’s father told the officer that he wanted Roa removed from the house. The officer attempted to arrest Roa, but he resisted, and assaulted and caused injury to the officer.

The charges resulted from an investigation by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant U.S. Attorney Penelope Brady prosecuted the case.

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