G.F. “Pete” Peterman, III, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Alberto F. Islas, age 59, from the Los Angeles, California area, today entered a guilty plea to assault with intent to commit aggravated sexual abuse before the Honorable Clay D. Land, Chief United States District Judge for the Middle District of Georgia, in Columbus.
In pleading guilty, Mr. Islas admitted that on September 25, 2016, he assaulted a woman on the Fort Benning Military Reservation by threatening her with a firearm in an effort to coerce sexual relations.
Mr. Islas faces a maximum sentence 20 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, or both. Sentencing will take place in about 60 days following a presentence investigation. Mr. Islas remains in custody, as he has been since the day of the incident.
United States Attorney Peterman said “This matter was resolved through swift action by the Military Police at Fort Benning and rapid investigation by the FBI, which arrested Mr. Islas and obtained the physical and testimonial evidence necessary to this successful prosecution on the day of the incident.”
This case was investigated by the Columbus office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Melvin E. Hyde, Jr. is handling the prosecution for the Government.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.