Richard Frank Roa Jr., Assaulting a Federal Officer, Nevada 2018

Nevada Man Sentenced to Prison for Assaulting a Federal Officer

RENO, Nev. - In a disturbing display of violence, Richard Frank Roa Jr., 36, was sentenced to 37 months in prison for assaulting a federal officer and causing bodily injury to the officer while he was engaged in official duties, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada.

This heinous crime occurred on November 12, 2017, when Roa's father called the police to report that Roa was causing a disturbance and damaging a vehicle at his father's house, located in Owyhee, Nevada. A Bureau of Indian Affairs officer responded to the call and attempted to arrest Roa, but he resisted and assaulted the officer, causing injury.

Roa pleaded guilty to one count of assault on a federal officer on March 3, 2020. The charges resulted from an investigation by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant U.S. Attorney Penelope Brady prosecuted the case.

According to U.S. Attorney Trutanich, 'This case illustrates how law enforcement officers put themselves in harm's way at a moment's notice to protect vulnerable members of the community.' He went on to say, 'Our office is grateful to the women and men who serve on the front lines in their mission to keep our communities safe.'

Roa was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service after today's sentencing hearing. This case serves as a reminder of the dangers that law enforcement officers face every day and the importance of holding those who commit violent crimes accountable.

The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Penelope Brady. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Nevada is committed to protecting the public and upholding the law, and we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that those who commit violent crimes are held accountable.

This case was brought as part of the Department of Justice's commitment to combating violent crime and protecting law enforcement officers. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Nevada will continue to work closely with law enforcement agencies to identify and prosecute those who commit violent crimes.

Richard Frank Roa Jr. is currently incarcerated in prison for 37 months. The Bureau of Indian Affairs officer who was assaulted in this case has since recovered from his injuries.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-nv/pr/man-sentenced-prison-assaulting-federal-officer-owyhee-nevada