Pubdate: Fri, 01 Dec 2000
Source: Laredo Morning Times (TX)
Copyright: 2000 Laredo Morning Times
Contact:  P.O. Box 2129, Laredo TX 78044
Fax: 956-724-3036
Website: http://www.lmtonline.com/
Author: Robert Garcia

FORMER DRUG TASK FORCE OFFICER GETS 15 YEARS

A former Maverick County District Attorney investigator who was a member of 
the DEA drug task force was sentenced to 15 years in prison for shooting an 
undocumented Mexican national two years ago.

Former Webb County assistant District Attorney Monica Notzon and present 
Webb County Assistant Prosecutor O.J. Hale Jr. were named special 
prosecutors in the case of former deputy Wilbur Honeycutt.

Honeycutt was indicted on aggravated assault and deadly conduct charges 
after he shot and wounded Abecnego Monje Ortiz when the Mexican national 
attempted to cross into the U.S.

The defendant shot the victim while he and others were running away from him.

Monje Ortiz remains paralyzed and in a wheelchair as a result of the shooting.

The FBI investigated the incident, which resulted in Honeycutt's indictment.

The defendant opted to plead guilty last month, moments before a jury was 
set to begin hearing testimony in the case.

In her closing arguments during the sentencing phase, Notzon told District 
Judge Amado Abascal that "everyone in this country has rights, regardless 
of your immigration status."

"We need to send a message that everyone has rights, even those who may be 
here illegally, and that if you commit a crime against them you will be 
prosecuted equally. This court's ruling will be heard not only locally but 
across the state, nation and even internationally," Notzon said.

In arguing his case, Honeycutt's defense attorneys claimed that their 
client lacked proper training in weapons handling, which led to the 
unfortunate incident.

Honeycutt was asking the court for a probated sentence.

In his rebuttal, Hale told Judge Abascal that Honeycutt was not taking 
responsibilities for his actions, and shifting the blame on the federal 
government.

The defendant exhibited questionable actions after the shooting after he 
left the victim in the dark to die, and finally came back some two hours 
later, said Hale.

"The victim has placed his faith in the court and in the justice system. We 
cannot disappoint him. As advocates of the State of Texas we are asking for 
a stiff penalty because justice and the evidence demands it," Hale told the 
court.

The state's testimony included that of the victim and federal and state 
investigators.
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