Mark Gautreau, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, Louisiana 2006

A shocking act of violence has left two Hispanic men injured, and a New Orleans man has been held accountable. Mark Gautreau, 50, was sentenced to 72 months in prison for shooting two Hispanic men on the Bonnet Carre Spillway in St. Charles Parish, La., on August 20, 2006.

The incident occurred when Gautreau told a bystander that he intended to “shoot some Mexicans.” He then loaded ammunition into his 12-gauge shotgun and drove off toward the area where four Hispanic men were fishing. Once he reached them, Gautreau got out of his truck and fired his shotgun one time, hitting two of the Hispanic men. The victims suffered injuries that required hospitalization, and Gautreau admitted that the four Hispanic men did not shoot at him or threaten him in any way that would require him to defend himself.

Gautreau pleaded guilty to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon within the maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States in November 2011. The 72-month sentence handed down in federal court in New Orleans marks a significant step towards justice for the victims.

“Justice has been met for the two Hispanic men who were the victims of a random act of violence,” said Thomas E. Perez, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division. “The department is committed to vigorously enforcing our nation’s civil rights laws.”

The case was investigated by the New Orleans office of the FBI and prosecuted by Trial Attorney Angie Cha of the Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Greenfield of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana.

This case serves as a reminder of the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions and upholding the rights of all individuals, regardless of their background. The 72-month prison sentence handed down to Gautreau is a testament to the commitment of law enforcement agencies in protecting the rights of all citizens.

The New Orleans community can rest a little easier knowing that Gautreau will be held accountable for his actions. The 72-month sentence is a significant step towards healing and justice for the victims and their families.

The case against Gautreau serves as a warning to individuals who would seek to harm others based on their background or ethnicity. The Civil Rights Division and the FBI will continue to work tirelessly to protect the rights of all individuals and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/archives/opa/pr/new-orleans-man-sentenced-shooting-two-hispanic-men