A federal jury in Miami has found Orel Valdespino Fernandez guilty of assaulting a corrections officer at the Federal Detention Center. The incident occurred on May 5 when Valdespino, an inmate awaiting trial, attacked a Bureau of Prisons lieutenant during a routine compliance check.
The altercation began after the officer instructed Valdespino to adhere to facility rules. When Valdespino refused, the officer entered his cell to discuss the matter. During this interaction, Valdespino struck the officer's arm and repeatedly hit him in the face. The situation was resolved only after another officer used pepper spray and additional help arrived.
As a result of the attack, the victim suffered significant injuries, including a misaligned jaw and a torn pectoral muscle requiring surgery. These injuries have prevented him from returning to work.
U.S. District Judge Roy K. Altman will sentence Valdespino on February 14, 2025, taking into account various legal guidelines and factors.
The case was announced by U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida and FBI Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri from the Miami Field Office. The investigation was conducted by the FBI with support from the Bureau of Prisons, while Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zachary A. Keller and Ilana Malkin led the prosecution.
Further details about this case can be accessed through official court websites using case number 24-cr-20318.