Michael Leroy Witt, 56, of Phoenix, was sentenced on December 17, 2024, by United States District Judge John C. Hinderaker to 120 months in prison.
On July 11, 2024, Witt was convicted at trial of Assault on a Federal Officer Causing Bodily Injury, Conspiracy to Transport Illegal Aliens for Profit, and Transportation of Illegal Aliens for Profit.
On February 20, 2023, a U.S. Border Patrol agent stopped Witt near Sonoita on suspicion that Witt was transporting undocumented noncitizens.
After Witt stopped and tried to wave the agent past him, the agent approached the driver’s side window and told Witt to turn off the vehicle.
Witt did not comply with the agent’s instructions, and the agent attempted to turn off the engine. Witt hit the gas pedal while the agent still hung onto the car window. The acceleration caused the agent to be dragged alongside the vehicle as it veered into the oncoming lane of traffic.
The agent was able to turn the vehicle off and bring it to a stop on the opposite side of the road. In the backseat of the vehicle, Witt had concealed two undocumented noncitizens who were being illegally transported further into the United States.