HOUSTON – A 38-year-old Cuban citizen who resided in the Houston area is set to appear in federal court on charges of willfully injuring or committing any depredation exceeding $1000 against U.S. property.
Authorities took Nestor Mariano Vidal Batista into custody after allegedly damaging the FBI office in Houston.
The criminal complaint alleges that on June 23, Batista stole a Dodge Ram 2500 pick-up truck shortly before attempting to lodge an in-person complaint at the FBI office in Houston. Upon his arrival, security alleged referred him to local authorities.
According to the charges, Batista then re-entered the truck, circled the area and tried to force entry. He allegedly sped toward, and crashed the truck into, the front security gates of the FBI building. The complaint alleges, he caused considerable damage.
Shortly thereafter, he was allegedly able to exit the truck and enter the visiting area in the lobby. Authorities then subdued him and took him into custody.
If convicted, Batista faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
