A Russian national has been charged in a federal criminal complaint for allegedly assaulting an immigration officer during his arrest in downtown Los Angeles. Maksim Zaitsev, 35, from Costa Mesa, faces charges of assault on a federal employee resulting in bodily injury.
Zaitsev is scheduled to appear today at the United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles. Acting United States Attorney Joseph T. McNally commented on the case, stating, "The men and women of Immigration and Customs Enforcement are critical to protecting national security and public safety and upholding the rule law." He added that Zaitsev "will be held accountable for his actions."
The affidavit accompanying the complaint details that on February 25, two Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers arrested Zaitsev under an administrative warrant issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. During the arrest process, Zaitsev reportedly became agitated and resisted while being escorted through a hallway. In the ensuing struggle, he allegedly bit one officer's left pinky finger, causing injury.
It is important to note that a criminal complaint is merely an allegation; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
If found guilty, Zaitsev could face up to 20 years in federal prison. The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Protective Service is leading the investigation into this incident.
Assistant United States Attorney Joseph S. Guzman from the General Crimes Section will prosecute this case.