A 42-year-old man named David Wayne DePape was charged with assault of an immediate family member of a United States official with the intent to retaliate against the official for the performance of official duties and attempted kidnapping of a United States official for the performance of official duties after breaking and entering into the San Francisco residence of Nancy and Paul Pelosi on October 28, 2022. The former carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison, while the latter carries a maximum sentence of 20 years.

Hammering Out the Facts

DePape reportedly entered the Pelosi bedroom looking for Nancy Pelosi. Mr. Pelosi was able to call 911, which dispatched two police officers to the home. When they arrived, they found Mr. Pelosi and DePape fighting over a hammer. Moments later, DePape swung the hammer and struck Mr. Pelosi in the head.

Upon arrest, officers found several items on the defendant's person that, in combination with the defendant's statement that he was looking for speaker Pelosi and hoped to “break her kneecaps,” suggested DePape was intent on kidnapping her.

Innocent Until Proven Guilty

In the United States, no matter how the police find you, you are presumed innocent until the prosecution can prove you are guilty. Both assault and attempted kidnapping of a United States official, or a loved one, with the intent of retaliating against them for the performance of their official duties, are federal crimes. As such, the prosecution must show the court that the defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt – that is, the evidence presented only has one conclusion. No other reason is plausible.

Attorney Vitaly Sigal of Sigal Law Group is a highly qualified criminal defense attorney with extensive trial experience. No matter the strength of the prosecutor's case, you should not attempt to navigate the intricacies of a federal case alone. Attorney Sigal will work tirelessly to ensure your due process rights are upheld, giving you a fair opportunity to explain your side of the story. Call 818-325-0570 today for a free consultation. Sigal Law Group can help.