San Francisco, California – A woman named Melendez, convicted of battery in state court for violently attacking an FBI agent, is now facing further legal trouble. After chasing and assaulting the agent, Melendez was sentenced to 18 days in jail and one year of probation. However, despite the court’s orders to stay away from the courthouse, her violent behavior persisted, as detailed in documents presented by prosecutors.
According to court records, Melendez attempted to stab a leasing agent in her apartment building in October, just minutes away from the Phillip Burton Federal Building. The leasing agent managed to escape, with Melendez in pursuit, slashing his car while threatening him. Prosecutors have argued for her detention, citing her as a danger to the public.
Federal prosecutors have recommended that Melendez be kept in custody due to the threat she poses. If convicted for the recent attack on the FBI agent, she could face up to eight years in prison and a substantial fine. Melendez is currently being held at Alameda County jail.
This case involving Melendez is not the first assault against a federal employee in the downtown area. In a separate incident on June 8, Akal Calvert-Damu Allen allegedly punched a female federal employee, resulting in a broken nose. Allen’s trial has yet to take place, as indicated in court records.
In September, safety concerns at the Speaker Nancy Pelosi Federal Building sparked high-level meetings following a memo from a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services official. The memo highlighted severe security issues, leading workers to consider working remotely. These incidents shed light on the need for enhanced security measures and protocols in federal buildings to protect employees and the public.