ST. GEORGE, UT – Troy James Knapp, 46, took a plea deal Monday, admitting he fired a weapon at federal officers during a violent confrontation in rural Utah. Knapp pleaded guilty to use, carry and discharge of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, a charge that carries a potential life sentence with a minimum mandatory term of 10 years. This isn’t some traffic stop gone wrong; this is a calculated attack on those sworn to uphold the law.
The incident unfolded on April 2, 2013, in the remote expanse of Sanpete County. Knapp’s arrest wasn’t a neat package; it was the culmination of events where, according to the federal indictment, he actively assaulted Deputy United States Marshals, U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement Officers, and other assisting federal personnel. The indictment detailed that Knapp didn’t just resist arrest – he escalated the situation with an SKS-type assault rifle.
Court documents reveal Knapp stipulated he was actively attempting to flee when he discharged the rifle. He admitted his intent was to impede the officers, and those assisting, from taking him into custody. This wasn’t a panicked reaction; this was a deliberate attempt to evade justice by any means necessary. The feds weren’t dealing with a scared man, but a dangerous one willing to use lethal force.
As part of the agreement, federal prosecutors will drop one count of assaulting a federal officer and one count of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition at sentencing. While this appears to be a concession, it’s a strategic move to secure a conviction on the most serious charge – the one that could lock Knapp away for the rest of his life. Don’t mistake leniency; this is about maximizing the punishment for a dangerous offender.
Sanpete County Attorney Brody L. Keisel played a key role, designated as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney to bolster the federal prosecution. The investigation was a coordinated effort, involving numerous federal, state, and local agencies. This wasn’t a solo operation; it was a unified response to a clear and present danger.
Knapp’s sentencing is scheduled for June 9, 2014, at 10 a.m. in St. George. While the plea agreement recommends a 126-month sentence, the final decision rests with the court. Grimy Times will be there to report the outcome, and ensure the public knows the fate of a man who chose to turn a simple arrest into a firefight with those who protect us.
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Key Facts
- State: Utah
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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