By Austin R. Ramsey
Lexington Herald-Leader
LEXINGTON, Ky. — Three federal inmates at a Kentucky prison have been indicted in connection with an alleged assault involving a homemade stabbing weapon that federal investigators say may have been tied to the Mexican Mafia.
A federal grand jury in Ashland indicted Edward Rodriguez, Gilbert Saldana and Alfred Fabrow on Aug. 27 on charges stemming from an alleged assault at the U.S. Penitentiary Big Sandy in Martin County.
According to the indictment, the attack occurred July 6 and involved another inmate, identified in court records as “R.G.G.” The three men are accused of assaulting him with a dangerous weapon described as a “homemade stabbing instrument,” with the intent to cause bodily harm.
The FBI’s Louisville field office said the three inmates face charges of assault resulting in serious bodily injury and that the investigation is believed to be connected to the Mexican Mafia, a violent prison gang that operates within federal and state correctional facilities.
The indictment charges the men with assault with a dangerous weapon under federal law. Because the alleged attack occurred inside a federal prison, the case falls under the federal government’s special maritime and territorial jurisdiction.
If convicted, each defendant faces up to 10 years in federal prison, a fine of up to $250,000 and up to three years of supervised release. They also could be ordered to pay restitution.
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