Tuesday, February 02, 2021

Defendant Sentenced to Federal Prison for Threatening Agents with Firearm

 In San Antonio today, U.S. District Judge Fred Biery sentenced 45-year-old Luther Otis Foster IV, to a total of 90 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release for pointing a shotgun at federal agents during the execution of a search warrant at his Bandera County residence, announced U.S. Attorney Gregg N. Sofer and Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Steven S. Whipple, Houston Division.

According to court records, DEA agents executed a search warrant at Foster’s residence in Lakehills on July 21, 2016.  Agents announced their presence and entered the residence.  Upon entry, Foster leveled a shotgun at the agents and threatened them.  Foster was shot and then taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.  Inside Foster’s residence, agents discovered a large number of growing marijuana plants and discarded marijuana plant stalks.

“Pointing a weapon at or threatening a federal agent is never a wise choice,” stated U.S. Attorney Sofer.  “It is fortunate that no one lost their life in this incident.  Unfortunately, today in Florida, a similar scenario ended in heartbreaking tragedy.  We should never forget the dangers our law enforcement officers face every day.”

On November 15, 2018, Foster pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and four counts of assaulting a federal officer with a dangerous weapon.

The DEA investigated this case together with the Bandera County Sheriff’s Office and the Texas Department of Public Safety.  Assistant U.S. Attorney John Gibson prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

No comments: