Incident Involving El Salvadoran Immigrant in Albany

Authorities in Albany reported an incident on Thursday where a man from El Salvador allegedly pursued federal prosecutors with a knife.

Saul Morales Garcia, 40, received a 90-day sentence after being found guilty of making threats with a weapon and misdemeanor charges for threatening U.S. Attorney General John Salcone near the Albany Hilton on June 17.

Currently, Morales Garcia is held at the Albany County Correctional Facility. Although there were no immigration or customs enforcement officials present during the court proceedings, he faces the possibility of deportation.

Vincenzo Sofia remarked, “I believe the federal government will initiate removal procedures for him.”

Authorities stated that Morales Garcia was in the U.S. illegally and had previously been deported back to El Salvador. He also reportedly has outstanding warrants in at least three other courts.

Albany County District Attorney Lee Kindron indicated that Morales Garcia might encounter additional charges following his sentencing in Albany County.

Initially, prosecutors had charged him with attempted murder, a charge that typically doesn’t allow for bail. However, the charges were ultimately dropped.

Sofia described the attempted murder charge as being overly exaggerated: “disproportionately blown away.”

The defense team opted for a quick plea to a misdemeanor, believing it was the most sensible move. Kindlon noted that this way, if there are any pending warrants in other jurisdictions, they can act once the current sentence is completed.