Source: Office of United States Attorneys
BOSTON – A South Deerfield resident has been arrested and charged for allegedly assaulting a federal agent executing a search warrant in connection with a U.S. Capitol Police investigation. The defendant allegedly spit in the face and eye of an agent during a residential search.
James Gerard Pepe III, a/k/a “Judith Pepe,” 25, is charged with one count of assaulting a federal officer. Pepe was arrested on Jan. 4, 2025 and, following an initial appearance in federal court in Springfield, Mass., was released on conditions.
According to the charging document, on Feb. 4, 2025, federal law enforcement agents executed a search warrant of a bedroom inside a South Deerfield apartment believed to be used by the subject of a U.S. Capitol Police investigation. Pepe allegedly resided in the same apartment where the target bedroom was located.
During the search, Pepe was directed to sit in a kitchen chair, unhandcuffed. Shortly thereafter, it is alleged that Pepe became visibly agitated. Specifically, Pepe allegedly yelled and directed profanity, insults, taunts and threats at agents, as well as threatened to spit in an agent’s face. Agents warned Pepe to remain calm and allow agents to complete the search or be placed in handcuffs. According to the charging document, Pepe continued to behave in an agitated and aggressive manner after the warning. Pepe was subsequently placed in handcuffs and, while being escorted out of the apartment, allegedly spit in the face and eye of the escorting agent.
The charge of assaulting a federal officer provides for a sentence of up to eight years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas A. Barnico, Jr. of the Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.