A 46-year-old St. Elmo man is facing a 15-count federal grand jury indictment after allegedly opening fire on federal law enforcement agents who were attempting to serve an arrest warrant at his home in Fayette County.
Dex Baldrige is facing seven counts of assault of a federal officer, seven counts of using a firearm in a crime of violence, and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon.
The charges involved an October 17th, 2022 incident where task force members with the US Marshals attempted to serve an arrest warrant to Baldrige when he allegedly used a rifle to fire multiple shots at the officers. After a 10-hour stand-off with police, Baldrige was taken into custody without incident and no injuries were reported.
If convicted, Baldrige could face more than 70 years in prison and fines of up to $250,0000.
US Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe says fortunately, the law enforcement officers returned home safely to their families after the incident in Fayette County. She says attacks on those who protect us threaten safety in our communities and violent offenders who recklessly aim and shoot firearms at federal agents conducting official business will be expeditiously charged and held accountable for their thoughtless actions.