Former federal training officer admits assault on federal employee

BRUNSWICK, GA:  A former federal training officer has admitted assaulting a fellow Customs and Border Protection employee at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers in Glynco, Ga.

Roberto Baptiste, 37, of Brunswick, pled guilty in U.S. District Court to an Information charging him with Assault on a Federal Officer or Employee, said David H. Estes, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. The charge carries a statutory penalty of up to eight years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release and financial penalties of up to $250,000. There is no parole in the federal system.

“All workers have a right to do their jobs without fear of harassment or assault,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Estes. “This prosecution sends a clear message that such violations will not be tolerated.”

As described in the plea agreement accepted by U.S. District Court Judge Lisa Godbey Wood, Baptiste admitted that on Nov. 5, 2018, at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers near Brunswick, he “forcibly assaulted, intimidated, and interfered with” a fellow Customs and Border Protection (CBP) employee.

A sentencing date has not yet been set.

“DHS employees are held to the highest standards of professional conduct,” said Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari, “There is no place among the dedicated professionals of DHS for individuals who cannot respect the law or their colleagues.”

The case was Investigated by the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General, and prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer J. Kirkland and Joshua S. Bearden.