A Chicopee man is facing serious federal charges after he allegedly played the tough guy, assaulting and robbing a confidential informant at gunpoint, officials said. Hector Laureano, 38, was hit with a trifecta of charges by a federal grand jury in Springfield, including assaulting a federal assistant, wielding a firearm during a crime, and swiping Uncle Sam's cash.
Not one to do things by halves, Laureano evidently went all out on May 4, when, according to the indictment, he is accused of ambushing a confidential informant who was on official duties. Wielding a Cobra Model.380 caliber pistol, Laureano allegedly didn't just scare the informant, but also made off with $1,400 of government greenbacks, the U.S. Attorney's Office reported. Charged with the delicate task of prosecution is Assistant U.S. Attorney Catherine G. Curley, who's operating out of the Springfield Branch Office.
Laureano could be staring down the barrel of up to 20 years in the big house for the assault charge and at least seven for brandishing that gun. Pocketing federal funds could tack on another 25 years, not to mention the potential for a total of $750,000 in fines. But before anyone throws away the key, remember, these charges are only allegations. Laureano remains innocent until Uncle Sam proves otherwise beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
