Swyn B. Nelson, 48, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty to assault on a federal officer after violently attacking a Court Security Officer inside the Kenneth B. Keating Federal Building on October 5, 2016. The assault occurred just before 9 a.m. at the State Street facility, where Nelson had arrived to report to his probation officer, according to federal prosecutors.
The Court Security Officer was performing official duties at the building’s main entrance, screening individuals for weapons, electronics, and other prohibited items. As Nelson entered, he hurled his wallet and belongings into a security tray so forcefully that items scattered. When asked for photo identification and to wait before proceeding, Nelson ignored instructions and bypassed protocol, prompting a second screening.
After retrieving his items, Nelson turned toward the officer, shouting, “I want to shout at you,” and advanced aggressively into a restricted zone marked by stanchions, rope, and a security table. The officer ordered him to retreat. Nelson refused, then charged forward and struck the officer on the right side of the head with a closed fist.
Court Security Officers are contracted through the U.S. Marshals Service and tasked with entrance control, patrols, and protection of federal court personnel and facilities. At the time of the attack, the officer was acting under federal authority, making the assault a felony punishable by up to eight years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service, led by Marshal Charles Salina. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett A. Harvey is prosecuting the case. Nelson pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge David G. Larimer, who will sentence him on December 20, 2016, at 3:00 p.m.
This conviction underscores the federal government’s zero-tolerance stance on attacks against law enforcement personnel, even those working in contracted security roles. The Keating Building remains a high-security federal facility, where violations of conduct can trigger swift and severe consequences.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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