Monday representatives from the Houston Police Officers Union and the Montgomery County Law Enforcement Association announced their profound disappointment in Montgomery County District Judge Cara Woods decision to impose a much lighter 20-year prison sentence on a previously convicted and deported criminal illegal alien who during a crime spree on March 7, 2010, terrorized victims and attempted to shoot and kill a Houston Police Officer who was attempting to apprehend him.
“Last Friday Judge Wood sentenced Moises Roman Mendez, 29 to 20 years for aggravated assault of a public servant when the sentence should have been 99 years,” said Ray Hunt of the HPOU. It is unbelievable, especially given the suspect’s background, illegal status in our country, and his terroristic actions toward store employees that this particular judge would give him such a gift.”
The lives of numerous HPD Officers responding to the aggravated robbery spree, as well as the lives of the store employees and citizens who were put at risk by the actions of Mendez, were worth more than the paltry-20 year sentence. Judge Wood’s decision is beyond disappointing and it sends a terrible message of weakness to all segments of people who depend on police officers and the criminal justice system safe,” added Mr. Hunt.
“We live in a time where people question the actions of elected officials and wonder if they are in touch with the realities of what matters most to regular people. Judge Wood’s decision and judgment in this matter only pours gasoline on that particular fire and it is unbelievable to those of us in law enforcement that she should make such a decision given the level of danger everyone faced when confronted by Mendez,” concluded Mr. Hunt.
