The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York announced that 22‑year‑old Ericson Vasquez‑Moran of Guatemala pleaded guilty on Aug. 5, 2026, to depredation and injury to government property for driving into a U.S. Border Patrol vehicle in a May 13 incident that triggered a high‑speed pursuit.
According to the federal announcement, Vasquez‑Moran’s vehicle struck the Border Patrol vehicle, causing more than $1,000 in damage, and then fled the scene. Law enforcement pursued the vehicle until officers deployed a spike strip that disabled it. Vasquez‑Moran left the vehicle on foot, surrendered several hours later, and was taken into custody.
Vasquez‑Moran pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. The offense carries a statutory maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 11, 2026.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office said the case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan W. Fitzgerald. The plea followed an investigation by U.S. Border Patrol (Acting Chief Patrol Agent James D’Amato), the Department of Homeland Security Enforcement and Removal Operations (Acting Field Operations Director Phillip Rhoney), the New York State Police (Major Amie Feroleto), and the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office (Sheriff David Linder).
The announcement describes the case as part of “Operation Take Back America,” a Department of Justice initiative referenced in the press release.
Source: U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of New York press release.
