SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Anibal Hernandez-Santana, 64, faces serious legal challenges after his recent arrest for allegedly shooting at the ABC10 television station. The case took a surprising turn when federal agents intervened shortly after he was released on bail from state charges.
Hernandez-Santana was initially arrested by Sacramento police on Friday night. He posted bail the following day but was apprehended again just four hours later by the FBI. Mark Reichel, his defense attorney, described the situation as unexpected, stating that they were discussing the state charges when the federal agents took him into custody.
The FBI has charged Hernandez-Santana with violating a federal law that prohibits willful interference with any radio communications of licensed stations by the U.S. government. Reichel expressed his astonishment at the federal involvement in what he termed a minor incident. “I’m not sure why the feds are getting involved. I’m surprised by their motivations,” he said.
Experienced criminal attorney Mark Wise provided insight into the discrepancy in potential sentencing between state and federal charges. He noted that if convicted on state charges, Hernandez-Santana could face up to 17 years in prison—far more severe than the maximum sentence of one year for the federal allegations. “The potential punishment in state court is much more severe than in federal court,” Wise explained.
Reichel characterized the federal charges as relatively minor, asserting that he expects Hernandez-Santana will be released soon under certain conditions, including restrictions on leaving the area and forfeiting his passport. “We anticipate they’re going to release him on terms like that,” he said.
The incident purportedly occurred just a day after a protest at the ABC10 station related to the suspension of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” following remarks about a controversial figure’s death. KXTV Channel 10, affiliated with ABC, is owned by Tegna.
The legal process ahead may be lengthy, as Hernandez-Santana is scheduled to make his first appearance in federal court on Monday and in state court on Tuesday. Reichel confirmed that his client is a legally registered gun owner, adding another layer of complexity to the case.
As developments unfold, both legal experts and the public will be watching closely to see how the situation progresses.
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