Judge sentences Douglas rancher in assault of agent

1 hour ago • By Carmen Duarte

Douglas rancher Derek Garland was sentenced Thursday to eight months in prison for assaulting a Border Patrol agent.

U.S. District Judge Cindy K. Jorgenson also ordered Garland, 48, to pay a $2,000 fine. He faces three years of supervision once he is released from prison, according to a U.S. Attorney’s Office news release. Garland pleaded guilty earlier to assault on a federal officer.

The incident occurred April 21, 2014, when the car he was driving was “believed to have activated a sensor in an area known for frequent illegal activity,” stated the release.

When Garland opened his car door, he was holding a pistol and “began to confront the Border Patrol agent in a belligerent fashion. After holstering his weapon, Garland continued to berate the agent for stopping him and struck the agent in the face while using racial slurs and profanity,” according to the release.

A videotape, which was taken by Garland, was played at the sentencing, the release states.

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