News

Man Faces Up to 10 Years in Prison for Ramming FBI’s Monument Sign

The cost to repair the damage is $35,000.

Published

1 year ago

November 3, 2022

Signs of the Times Staff

Credit: FBI Houston

Jesus Jaimes Merlan, 43, recently pleaded guilty to intentionally damaging the monument sign at the FBI’s Houston office, and he now faces up to 10 years in prison and a possible $250,000 fine.

In May, Merlan approached the Houston FBI visitor security facility in a truck. Upon his arrival, he sat in his vehicle, smoked a cigarette and stared forward, the FBI says.

He requested to speak to an agent, but security personnel told him he would have to return in the morning. Merlan responded by yelling that he could not wait. He then backed up his truck and rammed it forward into the signage.

Authorities took him into custody and conducted an interview. He appeared to be in mental distress, the FBI says, and also made several incoherent remarks about individuals chasing or stalking him, wishing to do him harm and/or take his belongings.

Merlan pleaded guilty to willfully injuring or committing depredation against property of the U.S. The estimated cost to repair the gate and signage is more than $35,000.

He will be sentenced on Feb. 9, 2023 and was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.

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