Daniel Higgins, 38, of Morro Bay, and Austin Noblitt, 33, of Portland, Oregon, have been indicted for assaulting two Federal Bureau of Prisons correctional officers at the U.S. Penitentiary (USP) Atwater in Merced County.
The incident occurred on November 21, 2022. Higgins and Noblitt punched the officers repeatedly on their heads and torsos, causing bodily injuries to both officers.
Higgins and Noblitt have been charged with two counts of assault on a federal officer. If convicted, they face a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each count.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Higgins and Noblitt are currently behind bars, awaiting trial.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Chan Hee Chu and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey A. Spivak are prosecuting the case. The charges are only allegations; Higgins and Noblitt are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The violent assault on the correctional officers raises questions about the safety and security of the prison system. The Federal Bureau of Prisons has been under scrutiny in recent years for its handling of inmate violence and staff safety.
As the case moves forward, the Grimy Times will continue to provide updates and analysis on the situation.
Related Federal Cases
- Carlitos Ricardo Parias, Assault on a Federal Officer, California 2024 · Louisiana
- Rolando Nava Pacheco, Assault on Federal Officer, CA 2025 · California
- Juan Hernandez, Aggravated Assault, California 2022 · California
- Paul Anthony Ciancia, TSA Officer Murder, CA 2013 · California
- Cyrus Dennis Braswell, Mailing Threats to a Judge, California 2024 · California
Key Facts
- State: California
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
Violent CrimeViolent CrimeViolent CrimeViolent Crime