(WNY News Now) – A Fairport, NY, man has pleaded guilty to assaulting Congressman Lee Zeldin during a campaign event, potentially facing up to one year in prison and a $100,000 fine, according to U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross.
Buffalo – David G. Jakubonis, a 44-year-old resident of Fairport, New York, has admitted to assaulting Congressman Lee Zeldin during a campaign event, as announced by U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross. Jakubonis entered his guilty plea before U.S. Magistrate Judge Marian W. Payson. The charge of assaulting a federal officer carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison along with a $100,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean C. Eldridge, responsible for prosecuting the case, explained that the incident occurred on July 21, 2022, during a campaign event in Perinton, NY. Congressman Zeldin was addressing the crowd from the bed of a flatbed trailer when Jakubonis approached him with a keychain bearing two sharp points and grabbed his arm. A struggle between the Congressman and Jakubonis ensued, leading to Jakubonis pulling Zeldin down onto the trailer bed while repeatedly stating, “you’re done.” Bystanders intervened and helped subdue Jakubonis, leading to his subsequent arrest.
Jakubonis now awaits sentencing for his actions during the campaign event.
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