In a recent case, Gabriel Manzo, a Mesa man, has been sentenced to almost 15 years in federal prison for assaulting an FBI agent with a firearm. Manzo pleaded guilty to Assault on a Federal Officer and Discharge of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence. The incident occurred when Manzo drove his truck to the FBI office in Phoenix and fired several rounds at the building, causing significant damage. Afterward, he encountered an FBI agent and proceeded to fire three rounds at him. This case is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program, which aims to reduce violent crime and enhance community safety. The investigation was conducted by the FBI, with assistance from the Phoenix Police Department.
Introduction
In a recent case that highlighted the dangers faced by law enforcement officers, Gabriel Manzo, a resident of Mesa, Arizona, was sentenced to nearly 15 years in federal prison for assaulting an FBI agent with a firearm. The incident, which took place on April 20, 2020, resulted in extensive damage to the FBI office in Phoenix and posed a serious threat to the safety of the agent involved. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the background, case details, investigation, legal proceedings, and the impact of this incident. It also discusses the Project Safe Neighborhoods program, which aims to collaborate with law enforcement agencies and communities to reduce violent crime.
Background
Mesa Man Sentenced to Nearly 15 Years for Assault on FBI Agent with a Firearm
Gabriel Manzo, a 40-year-old resident of Mesa, Arizona, was recently sentenced to 177 months in federal prison by United States District Judge Steven P. Logan. Manzo pleaded guilty to assault on a Federal Officer and discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence. The severity of this sentence reflects the seriousness of the offense committed by Manzo and serves as a deterrent to others who may consider engaging in similar acts of violence against law enforcement agents.
Case Details
Sentencing of Gabriel Manzo
Gabriel Manzo’s sentencing marked the culmination of legal proceedings that began following his arrest for the assault on an FBI agent with a firearm. United States District Judge Steven P. Logan, after considering the evidence and the gravity of the offense, determined that a prison term of 177 months, equivalent to nearly 15 years, was an appropriate punishment for the crimes committed by Manzo. This lengthy sentence sends a strong message about the consequences of violent acts against law enforcement officers.
Charges: Assault on a Federal Officer and Discharge of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence
Gabriel Manzo faced two charges in connection with the assault on an FBI agent with a firearm. The first charge was assault on a federal officer, which constitutes a serious offense due to the increased vulnerability and significance of federal law enforcement agents in maintaining public safety. The second charge was the discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence, which further aggravated the severity of Manzo’s actions. Both charges were carefully considered during the legal proceedings and factored into the sentencing decision.
Timeline of Events
April 20, 2020: Gabriel Manzo’s Attack on FBI Office in Phoenix
On April 20, 2020, Gabriel Manzo carried out a planned attack on the FBI office located in Phoenix, Arizona. Manzo drove his truck to the office and proceeded to unleash a series of gunfire towards the building, targeting its windows. This deliberate act of violence posed a significant threat to the safety of the FBI agents present at the facility and indicated a clear intention to cause harm and damage.
Damage Caused by Manzo’s Gunfire
As a result of Gabriel Manzo’s gunfire, 11 windows of the FBI office were shattered, causing extensive damage to the building. The estimated cost of repairs amounted to over $98,000. This financial burden places an additional strain on the resources of the FBI and highlights the significant consequences of such acts of violence.
Encounter with FBI Agent
During his attack on the FBI office, Gabriel Manzo encountered an FBI agent who was in his government-issued vehicle. Manzo, without hesitation, fired three rounds directly at the agent. This brazen act of violence underscores the dangers faced by law enforcement officers and further emphasizes the severity of Manzo’s actions.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
Overview of PSN Program
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is an initiative implemented by the Department of Justice to combat violent crime and enhance community safety. It brings together law enforcement agencies at all levels and collaborates with community stakeholders to develop strategies to reduce violence. This program focuses on targeted enforcement, prevention, intervention, and community outreach to address the underlying causes of gun violence and other criminal activities.
Goals and Objectives
The primary goal of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program is to reduce violent crime, particularly gun-related offenses, by working closely with law enforcement agencies and communities. This initiative seeks to enforce existing firearms laws, develop effective crime prevention strategies, and provide resources and support to communities to build safer neighborhoods.
Collaboration with Law Enforcement and Communities
Project Safe Neighborhoods places a strong emphasis on collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve. By fostering partnerships and engaging community members, this program aims to build trust, create safer environments, and ensure that law enforcement efforts align with the needs and priorities of the local population. Together, law enforcement and community members can work towards reducing violent crime and enhancing public safety.
Investigation Details
Involvement of the FBI
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) played a central role in the investigation of Gabriel Manzo’s assault on an FBI agent. Combining their expertise and resources, FBI agents launched a thorough investigation to gather evidence, identify the suspect, and build a strong case for prosecution. Their unrelenting efforts in ensuring the safety of law enforcement officers and the community are commendable.
Assistance from Phoenix Police Department
The Phoenix Police Department provided crucial assistance to the FBI during the investigation into Gabriel Manzo’s assault. Collaborative efforts between these two law enforcement agencies were instrumental in apprehending the suspect, collecting evidence, and ensuring the successful prosecution of the case. The cooperation between the FBI and the Phoenix Police Department demonstrates the effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration in combating violent crime.
Prosecution and Legal Proceedings
Assistant United States Attorney Keith Vercauteren’s Role
Assistant United States Attorney Keith Vercauteren, representing the District of Arizona, played a pivotal role in prosecuting Gabriel Manzo. His expertise in federal law and commitment to upholding justice helped ensure that the case against Manzo was presented effectively in court. Assistant U.S. Attorney Vercauteren’s dedication to protecting law enforcement officers and the community is commendable.
Case Number: CR-20-00540-SPL-PHX
The case against Gabriel Manzo was assigned the case number CR-20-00540-SPL-PHX. This unique identifier allows for the efficient tracking and reference of legal documents and proceedings pertaining to the case. It ensures that all parties involved have access to relevant information and facilitates the administration of justice.
Release Number: 2023-036_Manzo
The release number 2023-036_Manzo refers to the official press release issued by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, regarding Gabriel Manzo’s sentencing. This release provides important information to the public and the media, ensuring transparency and clarity regarding the outcome of the legal proceedings.
Impact and Consequences
Prison Sentence of Gabriel Manzo
Gabriel Manzo’s prison sentence of nearly 15 years sends a clear message that violent acts against law enforcement officers are not tolerated and will be met with severe consequences. This lengthy incarceration ensures that Manzo is removed from society for an extended period, preventing any potential further harm to law enforcement officers or the community.
Financial Damages Caused by the Attack
Gabriel Manzo’s attack on the FBI office in Phoenix resulted in significant financial damages. The estimated cost of repairs to the building, including the replacement of 11 shattered windows, amounted to over $98,000. These financial consequences put an additional burden on the resources of the FBI, highlighting the far-reaching impacts of such acts of violence.
Similar Cases
Tucson Firearms Smuggler Sentenced to 60 Months
In a similar case that underscores the Department of Justice’s commitment to combatting firearms offenses, a Tucson firearms smuggler was recently sentenced to 60 months in prison. This case serves as a reminder that the illegal trafficking of firearms poses a significant threat to public safety and highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to address this issue.
FFL Owner Sentenced for Illegally Providing a Firearm
An FFL (Federal Firearms License) owner from Phoenix, Arizona, was recently sentenced to six months in prison for illegally providing a firearm to a perpetrator involved in an incident where a Phoenix Police Department officer was shot. This case demonstrates the importance of adhering to strict guidelines and regulations regarding firearms sales and transfers, ensuring that firearms do not end up in the wrong hands.
Teens Sentenced for Attempted AK-47 Smuggling
Two teenagers from Arizona were recently sentenced to federal prison for attempting to smuggle AK-47-style rifles into Mexico. This case highlights the dangers posed by criminal organizations engaged in arms trafficking and the necessity for robust law enforcement efforts to prevent the illegal flow of firearms across borders.
Contact Information
U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit their official website at http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/. This resource provides valuable information about the office, its mission, and the various initiatives and programs it oversees.
Yvette Cantu, Public Affairs Officer
For media inquiries or additional information, please contact Yvette Cantu, the Public Affairs Officer of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona. She can be reached via email at yvette.cantu@usdoj.gov or by phone at (602) 514-7500. Ms. Cantu is available to address any questions or concerns regarding the case discussed in this article.