ICE officer Christian Castro faces six federal counts of making false statements to the FBI about a January shooting in Minneapolis, the Justice Department announced September 4.
A federal grand jury returned the indictment September 2. Prosecutors allege that Castro gave investigators a false account of the confrontation that preceded the shooting. The charges are allegations, and Castro is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
What the Federal Indictment Alleges
According to the Justice Department, the case concerns statements Castro made during an FBI interview on January 14. He told an agent that men struck him with a broom and snow shovel during an attempted arrest. Federal prosecutors allege that material parts of his account were false.
The department said each count carries a maximum prison term of five years if he is convicted. Prosecutors also said they continue to review the evidence and have not ruled out additional charges.
Released on Bond After Texas Hearing
The Associated Press reported that Castro was released Friday after a federal court appearance in McAllen, Texas. A judge ordered a $75,000 unsecured bond and GPS monitoring. His attorneys told AP he intends to plead not guilty.
Separate Minnesota Charges
The federal indictment follows a separate state prosecution. The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office announced in May that Castro had been charged with four counts of second-degree assault and one count of falsely reporting a crime.
County prosecutors allege that he fired through the front door of a home on January 14, striking Julio Sosa-Celis in the leg. Those allegations concern the shooting itself; the newly announced federal counts concern what Castro told investigators afterward.
