Categories: Chicago

Court sentences Chicago man to more than 16 years in federal prison

Ernesto Godinez, a Chicago man, has been sentenced by the federal judge to more than 16 years in federal prison. Godinez was found guilty on the charges of shooting an agent from the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. According to the court documents, the agent was shot by Godinez on May 4, 2018, in the Back of the Yards neighborhood of Chicago.

Harry D. Leinenweber, a US District Judge, convicted Godinez over two counts against him. Godinez was facing one of shooting a federal agent and one count of discharging a firearm during a violation crime. The agent was conducting a covert investigation in the 4300 block of South Hermitage Avenue on May 4 morning. Some other law enforcement agents were also present at the scene.

John R. Lausch, Jr., the US attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Timothy Jones, the special agent-in-charge of the ATF’s Chicago Field Division, announced the sentence of Godinez. Several federal agencies provided valuable assistance in the case including: –

  • Illinois State Police
  • US Drug Enforcement Administration
  • Homeland Security Investigations of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement
  • FBI
  • US Marshals Services
  • Chicago Police Department

Kavitha J. Babu and Nicholas J. Eichenseer, the assistant US attorneys, argued, “This was indiscriminate, deadly violence by a recidivist shooter.” The agent was wounded in his head and he survived. Lausch said, “The primary goal of our violent crime prosecutions is to ensure public safety.” Lausch added that they would continue to prosecute the violent offenders aggressively.

Jones said, “This experience emboldens us to continue in our efforts to reduce gun violence in the city of Chicago.” Jones added that they stood with the families of the victims of gun violence. The violent offenders must have to be prosecuted aggressively for public safety in the city of Chicago. Godinez, a violent offender, will spend more than 16 years in federal prison.

Ivan Cease

Senior editor of the Chicago Morning Star

Recent Posts

Senate Democrats mock Biden for selling weapons to Israel

Some of President Biden's strongest Senate allies are calling on Israelis to end months of fierce fighting and criticizing the…

11 months ago

The biggest cities in Ukraine are struck by Russian missiles, leaving at least 4 dead and over 100 injured

Ukraine's KYIV — At least four people were killed and nearly 100 injured when Russian hypersonic ballistic missiles attacked Ukraine's…

11 months ago

Good News That’s Much Needed for Biden

The economy is making Americans feel a little more upbeat, especially when it comes to jobs and incomes, which could…

12 months ago

College Ventilation System Reveals Missing Man

The discovery of a decaying body inside a college ventilation system marked the tragic and unexplained end to a missing…

12 months ago

Following three Palestinian shots, a Vermont man was arrested

Following the shooting deaths of three 20-year-old Palestinian-American students in Vermont, authorities have detained a man. According to a news…

12 months ago

China is told to cease “COVID deception” due to the pneumonia outbreak by the US envoy

The United States ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel, urged Chinese authorities "to abandon COVID deception" and demanded that China be…

12 months ago

This website uses cookies.