Andrew J. Watkins, Assault on a Federal Officer, California 2016

Andrew J. Watkins, San Joaquin County Farmer, Pleads Guilty to Assault on a Federal Officer

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A shocking incident of violence against law enforcement has come to light in California. Andrew J. Watkins, a 48-year-old farmer from Linden, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor assault on a federal officer.

According to court documents, on February 27, 2012, Watkins pointed a semi-automatic pistol at a United States Fish and Wildlife special agent while the agent was performing a field inspection for possible violation of the Endangered Species Act on fenced farmland owned by the Watkins family. The situation was diffused with the arrival of Watkins' brother.

'We will prosecute persons who attempt to interfere with or intimidate federal law enforcement agents in the performance of their duties,' said U.S. Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner.

Watkins is scheduled to be sentenced on March 21, 2016. The plea agreement contemplates a sentence of four years of probation, a fine between $10,000 and $25,000, and the condition that the defendant is prohibited from possessing any firearm outside his residence.

The exact sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court at the sentencing hearing. This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard Bender and Samuel Wong are prosecuting the case.

Watkins' actions demonstrate a blatant disregard for the law and the safety of law enforcement officers. His punishment should serve as a warning to anyone who would seek to harm those who protect and serve our communities.

Please note that the information provided is based on publicly available data and may be subject to change.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edca/pr/san-joaquin-county-farmer-pleads-guilty-assault-federal-officer