ALBUQUERQUE – A federal grand jury has indicted a U.S. Border Patrol agent for allegedly assaulting a handcuffed detainee and later concealing evidence to obstruct an investigation.
According to court records, on May 22, 2023, Eduardo Prat , 40, allegedly strangled John Doe while performing his official duties as a Border Patrol agent in Doña Ana County, New Mexico. John Doe was handcuffed at the time of the alleged assault. Subsequently, between May 22 and June 12, 2023, Prat allegedly concealed and covered up a body camera recording of the assault.
Prat is charged in federal court with deprivation of rights under color of law and destruction, alteration, or falsification of records in a federal investigation. He is on conditions of release pending trial, which has not been scheduled. If convicted, Prat faces up to 20 years in prison.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison made the announcement today.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Professional Responsibility investigated this case with assistance from the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General, the Las Cruces Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, and the U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector. The Las Cruces Branch Office of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico is prosecuting the case.
View the Indictment (Prat).pdf
An indictment or criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Source: U.S. Attorney’s Office — New Mexico — U.S. Department of Justice press release.