Alleged Wildhorse robber is arraigned on multiple felonies
By Terry Murry on Thursday, September 15th, 2022 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PORTLAND – A federal grand jury is charging Javier Francisco Vigil, 51, of Umatilla County with a number of felonies related to his alleged robbery and shooting at Wildhorse Resort & Casino on Aug. 17. He was formally arraigned on Thursday afternoon.
Multiple charges were filed against Vigil. They include interference with commerce by robbery, two counts of carrying and using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, being a felon in possession of a firearm, attempted murder, assault with murderous intent, and assault with a dangerous weapon. Court records indicate Vigil was armed with an Arms Corporation of the Philippines semi-automatic 45-caliber pistol.
The arraignment detailed five past arrests on felony charges to illustrate why Vigil is not allowed to possess a firearm. Those offenses began in October 2002, with the last one occurring in March 2019. Charges he was found guilty of include burglary in the first and second degree, two instances of assaulting a public safety officer, and fourth degree assault. Vigil was captured with more than $69,000. He and a bystander were shot during a face-off outside the casino with Umatilla Tribal Police.
Vigil appeared in federal court today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jolie A. Russo. He was arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and detained pending a 4-day jury trial scheduled to begin on November 1, 2022.
If convicted, Vigil faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison, 3 years’ supervised release, and a fine of $250,000.
This case is being investigated by the FBI with assistance from the Umatilla Tribal Police Department and the Hermiston Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Ashley R. Cadotte and Cassady Adams, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the U.S Attorney’s Office in the District of Oregon.
