ORLANDO, FL – A federal jury slammed a guilty verdict on Abasi Akeem Smith, 30, of Orlando today, finding him responsible for a brazen assault on a U.S. Marshals Service officer. Smith, already walking on thin ice with a prior record and currently on federal supervised release, now faces a potential two-decade stretch in federal prison.
The conviction stems from a March 30, 2016 incident where members of the U.S. Marshals Service Florida/Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force attempted to apprehend Smith on a felony arrest warrant. According to courtroom testimony, Smith wasn’t going down without a fight. Instead of surrendering, he deliberately rammed one of the officer’s vehicles with his own, escalating the situation instantly.
The chase didn’t end there. Smith attempted to flee the scene, crashing into a fence and an unoccupied vehicle before ditching the car and taking off on foot. Officers ultimately subdued and arrested Smith, but not before a dangerous and reckless pursuit that put lives at risk. The indictment against Smith was returned on September 21, 2016.
U.S. Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announced the verdict, highlighting the seriousness of the crime. Smith’s history of multiple drug-trafficking convictions clearly demonstrates a pattern of disregard for the law. Being on supervised release at the time of the assault only compounds the severity of his actions.
The investigation was a collaborative effort between the U.S. Marshals Service, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, and the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, showcasing a unified front against violent offenders. Assistant United States Attorney Embry J. Kidd is prosecuting the case, seeking to ensure Smith is held accountable for his dangerous behavior.
Smith’s sentencing is scheduled for April 25, 2017. If convicted, the 20-year maximum penalty reflects the gravity of assaulting a federal officer with a deadly weapon and the ongoing threat posed by repeat offenders like Smith. This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement officers every day and the consequences for those who choose to resist arrest with violence.
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Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Drug Trafficking|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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