A 24-year-old Thomaston woman was indicted on October 22 by a federal grand jury on a charge of assaulting a Border Patrol agent during the agency’s investigation of a car crash in the town of Washington.

The Border Patrol later claimed that the four occupants of a box truck involved in the crash were in the United States illegally. The indictment alleges that the woman intentionally assaulted a Border Patrol agent by interfering with and impeding the agent using a dangerous weapon.

The incident stems from a crash that occurred on August 25 on Route 17 in Washington involving a box truck. According to police, the woman, identified as Wilkins, was driving a 1997 Lexus with Texas plates and stopped near the crash scene.

Wilkins was told to leave the area and was informed that they could not prevent Border Patrol from performing their duties. However, her vehicle then squealed its tires and police said it was headed toward a Border Patrol agent and a state trooper in an apparent attempt to run them over.

The trooper drew his firearm and pointed it at the driver, who then swerved the vehicle. Wilkins allegedly fled the scene, leading to a pursuit by the Knox County Sheriff’s Office and State Police. The chase ended when the Lexus went off the road near 571 West Washington Road, where Wilkins was taken into custody.

She was initially charged by the district attorney’s office, but those charges will be dismissed following the federal indictment. Wilkins is scheduled for an initial appearance and arraignment on November 7 in the U.S. District Court in Portland.

The federal assault charge carries a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. It is important to note that maximum sentences are rarely imposed, especially for first-time offenses.

The federal court website does not list an attorney for Wilkins. Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Brostowin is listed as the prosecutor in the case.
https://www.bangordailynews.com/2025/10/28/midcoast/midcoast-police-courts/thomaston-woman-accused-assaulting-border-patrol-agent/