FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging, John Lara, 35, of Fresno, with intentionally and forcibly assaulting and resisted the lawful orders of an inspector of the United States Postal Service while he was engaged in the performance of his official duties, United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced.

According to court documents, on August 21, 2012, an employee of the Clinter Post Office at 2601 East Olive Street in Fresno requested assistance from a Postal Service inspector in dealing with a disruptive customer. Lara was the customer and refused to leave the post office when the inspector ordered him to leave. The inspector attempted to arrest Lara, and Lara resisted. Eventually with the help of other law enforcement officers, Lara was taken into custody.

This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service assisted by Fresno Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly A. Sanchez is prosecuting the case.

Lara is scheduled for arraignment on September 7, 2012. If convicted, Lara faces a maximum penalty of eight years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory sentencing factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.