Source: Office of United States Attorneys
ALBUQUERQUE – A To’hajiilee man is facing a new charge for allegedly assaulting a federal detention officer at the Cibola County Correctional Facility while awaiting trial on another federal case.
According to court documents, on November 5, 2024, Antonio Chaco, 41, while in custody at the Cibola County Correctional Facility awaiting trial on charges of second-degree murder and kidnapping resulting in death, assaulted a detention officer and employee of CoreCivic, Inc. The assault occurred while the detention officer was assisting the U.S. Marshals Service with the supervision of federal detainees. During the assault, Chaco struck, pinned down, and choked the officer.
If convicted, Chaco faces up to 20 years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
Chaco is scheduled to stand trial for second-degree murder and kidnapping resulting in death on April 21, 2025. If convicted of those charges, Chaco faces life in prison.
Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and David Barnett, U.S. Marshal for the District of New Mexico, made the announcement today.
The U.S. Marshals Service investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Zachary C. Jones is prosecuting both cases.