A South Deerfield resident who reportedly spat on a federal agent during a search warrant execution related to a U.S. Capitol Police investigation has been arrested, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. James Gerard Pepe III, also known as “Judith Pepe”, 25, is facing charges for the assault that allegedly occurred last Tuesday.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office states that agents were searching a bedroom in Pepe's apartment, a room tied to their investigation, when Pepe became incensed and started to shout insults, threaten, and ultimately spat on an agent, this all happening after being told to stay seated and unhandcuffed, when Pepe was then handcuffed and being led out, that's when they reportedly let the spit fly. The U.S. Attorney’s Office notes that such a charge could lead to a sentence of up to eight years in prison, though it’s up to a judge to make the final call based on sentencing guidelines and statues.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Jodi Cohen, the Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division announced the arrest, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas A. Barnico, Jr. tasked with the prosecution. The FBI cautions that the details in the charging documents are merely allegations and that Pepe remains innocent until proven guilty.
