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Press Release

El Paso Woman Charged with Assault of a Federal Law Enforcement Officer

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

EL PASO – An El Paso woman was arrested this week at the Paso Del Norte Port of Entry on criminal charges related to her alleged assault on a federal law enforcement officer.

According to court documents, Shailene Ashanty Gutierrez, 19, entered the U.S. from the Republic of Mexico at the Paso Del Norte Port of Entry.  Gutierrez was a passenger in a vehicle where a small quantity of marijuana and empty rifle magazines were located.  The vehicle was sent to secondary inspection and Gutierrez was detained pending further investigation.  While detained, Gutierrez became aggressive and kicked and caused injury to two Customs and Border Protection officers.

Gutierrez is charged by federal criminal complaint with one count of assault on a federal law enforcement officer. If convicted, Gutierrez faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Gutierrez is scheduled for a detention hearing on Thursday, September 22, at 9:00 a.m., before U.S. Magistrate Judge Miguel Torres.

U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff of the Western District of Texas and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Frank Burrola, El Paso Division made the announcement.

HSI is investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stanley M. Serwatka is prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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Updated September 21, 2022

Topic
Violent Crime