Hector Laureano, Informant Robbery, Chicopee MA, 2023

Chicopee, MA – A 38-year-old man is facing a lengthy federal prison sentence after allegedly holding a confidential informant at gunpoint and stealing $1,400 belonging to the United States government. Hector Laureano was indicted by a federal grand jury in Springfield last week, accused of a brazen attack that put a vital source at risk.

According to the indictment, Laureano intentionally assaulted the confidential informant on May 4th while the individual was performing official duties. The attack escalated into a robbery when Laureano allegedly brandished a Cobra Model .380 caliber pistol and made off with the $1,400. The money, investigators say, was part of an ongoing federal operation.

The charges against Laureano are serious. He’s been indicted on one count of assaulting with a dangerous weapon a person assisting an officer or employee of the U.S. in performance of official duties, one count of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and one count of robbery of money of the U.S. Each carries significant penalties.

If convicted on the charge of assaulting a federal informant, Laureano could face up to 20 years behind bars, along with three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. Brandishing a firearm during the commission of a crime adds a minimum of seven years to a potential sentence, plus five years of supervised release and another $250,000 fine. The robbery charge carries the most severe potential punishment – up to 25 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.

Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy and James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Division, announced the indictment. Assistant U.S. Attorney Catherine G. Curley of the Springfield Branch Office is leading the prosecution. The ATF is leading the investigation.

It’s crucial to remember that these are allegations at this point. Laureano is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. However, if convicted, this case highlights the dangers faced by those who cooperate with federal law enforcement and the serious consequences for those who attempt to silence or intimidate them.

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