Antonio Chaco, Assaulting Detention Officer, New Mexico 2024

ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO – Antonio Chaco, a 42-year-old convicted murderer, has been sentenced to additional prison time for assaulting a detention officer at the Cibola County Correctional Center in New Mexico.

Chaco was already serving a 17-year prison sentence for the 2020 murder of Thomas Brown. He pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in that case and was sentenced to 17 years in prison. However, his recent actions have earned him an additional 46-month term of imprisonment for the assault.

According to court documents, on November 5, 2024, Chaco launched a surprise attack on a CoreCivic detention officer after she opened his cell door. He punched her repeatedly in the face, attempted to throw her over a second-floor railing, and then straddled and strangled her.

The detention officer suffered bruising and swelling on the left side of her face and later sought additional treatment at a local hospital for neck, arm, and facial pain. Despite her injuries, the officer was able to provide a detailed account of the assault, leading to Chaco’s arrest and subsequent sentencing.

The U.S. Marshals Service investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zachary C. Jones and Brittany DuChaussee prosecuted both cases. Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and United States Marshal David Barnett made the announcement today.

Chaco’s sentence will be served consecutively to his existing 17-year term, resulting in an additional two-year period of incarceration. The federal prison system has no parole, meaning Chaco will serve the full term of his sentence without the possibility of early release.

Chaco’s history of violence has left a trail of destruction in its wake, and his recent actions have only added to his lengthy rap sheet. As he begins his additional two-year sentence, it is clear that justice has been served in this case, and the public can rest a little easier knowing that this violent offender is behind bars.

As a society, we must continue to prioritize public safety and hold individuals accountable for their actions. The sentencing of Antonio Chaco serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of violence and the importance of protecting our communities from individuals who pose a threat to public safety.

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