Pollock Prison Stabber Gets 77 Months

POLLOCK, LA – The halls of justice delivered a lengthy sentence today to a prisoner at the U.S. Penitentiary in Pollock, Louisiana. John Garza, 34, originally from Gonzales, Texas, will spend the next 6 years and 5 months behind bars for a vicious assault on a fellow inmate. The attack, caught on prison surveillance, left the victim with severe injuries.

Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced the sentencing, handed down by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell. Garza pleaded guilty on January 11, 2017, to one count of assault resulting in serious bodily injury. The brutal incident unfolded on July 31, 2016, when Garza ambushed another inmate, initiating a savage attack.

According to court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Garza didn’t hesitate. Video footage revealed him pushing the victim to the ground before repeatedly stabbing him in the neck and back. The assault didn’t end there; Garza then proceeded to trample on the injured inmate, exacerbating the already grievous wounds. The level of calculated violence shocked even seasoned correctional officers.

The victim was immediately transported to a local hospital, where medical personnel fought to stabilize him and treat the extensive injuries. While the inmate survived, the attack left lasting physical and emotional scars. The U.S. Bureau of Prisons immediately launched an internal investigation, which was quickly joined by the FBI.

The swift response from both agencies led to Garza’s indictment and eventual conviction. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tennille M. Gilreath skillfully prosecuted the case, presenting irrefutable evidence of Garza’s guilt. In addition to the 77-month prison sentence, Judge Drell also ordered Garza to serve three years of supervised release upon his eventual release from custody.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers lurking within correctional facilities and the commitment of federal law enforcement to prosecute those who prey on vulnerable inmates. The FBI and U.S. Bureau of Prisons continue to work diligently to maintain order and security within the federal prison system, ensuring that acts of violence are met with swift and decisive justice. Garza’s sentence sends a clear message: prison walls offer no refuge for predators.