Two Inmates Sentenced for Federal Prison Stabbing
Two federal inmates have been sentenced for their roles in a violent attack on a fellow inmate at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in downtown San Diego, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California.
Jonathan Barba, 32, of Victorville, and Abraham Gomez-Rodriguez, 26, of Imperial Beach, were sentenced on Monday to 51 months and 37 months, respectively, for assaulting and stabbing another inmate. Prosecutors stated that the attack was carried out under the direction of a Mexican Mafia gang associate.
According to court records, the incident occurred on March 27, 2024. Barba reportedly approached the victim from behind and repeatedly stabbed him with a metal shank, while Gomez-Rodriguez restrained the victim to prevent him from escaping or defending himself. When the victim managed to break free and run, Gomez-Rodriguez pursued and struck him multiple times.
The victim sustained serious injuries, including stab wounds to the abdomen, neck, head, and the area near his eye. He was transported to a hospital for treatment.
Following the assault, Barba and Gomez-Rodriguez allegedly admitted that they carried out the attack to gain favor with another inmate, referred to as “Alex,” who prosecutors say was a “shot caller” for the Mexican Mafia.
Both defendants were already serving federal prison sentences at the time of the attack. Barba was previously convicted of drug importation in 2022 and sentenced to 37 months in prison. He also has a 2014 conviction for domestic battery in Nevada. Gomez-Rodriguez was convicted in 2022 of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin and sentenced to 26 months in federal prison. The judge ordered that their new sentences be served consecutively to their existing prison terms.
“Violence has no place in our correctional facilities,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Andrew Haden. “We are fully committed to taking every legal action available to protect the safety and well-being of all inmates and to hold violent criminals accountable.”
Acting Special Agent in Charge Houtan Moshrefi of the FBI San Diego Violent Crime Task Force also commended the work of investigators, stating that authorities remain committed to maintaining security within correctional institutions.
The case was investigated by the FBI and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Prosecutors Andrew Sherwood and Shital Thakkar handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Barba and Gomez-Rodriguez were convicted under federal statutes for assault with a dangerous weapon within special maritime and territorial jurisdiction. The offense carries a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine.