A South Deerfield resident, James Gerard Pepe III, also known as "Judith Pepe," has been charged with assaulting a federal officer. The incident occurred during the execution of a search warrant linked to a U.S. Capitol Police investigation. According to allegations, Pepe spat in the face and eye of an agent during the residential search.
Pepe, 25, was arrested on January 4, 2025, and released on conditions after an initial appearance in federal court in Springfield, Massachusetts. As per the charging document, on February 4, 2025, federal agents searched a bedroom in a South Deerfield apartment believed to be used by someone involved in the U.S. Capitol Police investigation. Pepe allegedly resided in this apartment.
During the search operation, agents instructed Pepe to sit unhandcuffed in a kitchen chair. It is alleged that Pepe became agitated and directed profanities and threats at the agents. Despite warnings from the agents to remain calm or face being handcuffed, Pepe's behavior reportedly escalated. Consequently, Pepe was handcuffed and while being escorted out of the apartment allegedly spat at an agent.
The charge of assaulting a federal officer carries a potential sentence of up to eight years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine up to $250,000. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas A. Barnico Jr., from the Springfield Branch Office, is prosecuting this case.
It is important to note that these details are based on allegations contained within the charging document and that Pepe is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.