A 43-year-old Texas man is being charged for allegedly ramming his truck and trailer into the FBI Houston Field Office gate, according to a U.S. District Attorney's Office.
Jesus Jaimes Merlan was taken into custody on Thursday after a federal grand jury returned the indictment on July 21. Merlan is charged with "willful injuring or committing a depredation against property of the United States."
"Merlan is charged with allegedly ramming his truck and trailer into the signage entrance to the FBI on May 11," said a release. "He allegedly caused damage in excess of $1000."
Jesus Jaimes Merlan is charged for allegedly ramming his truck & trailer into the sign at the entrance to the FBI Houston Field Office on May 11. He'll make a court appearance this afternoon. If convicted, Merlan faces up to 10 years in prison & a possible $250,000 maximum fine. pic.twitter.com/VOxsUx6JDO
— FBI Houston (@FBIHouston) August 26, 2022
FBI Houston said Merlan faces up to 10 years in prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine if convicted.
He is expected to appear in court Friday afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sam Sheldon.
"An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence," said the U.S. District Attorney's office. "A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law."
