State v. Pledger

OPINION

GEMMILL, Judge.

¶ 1 We are asked to determine whether an aggravated assault conviction may be enhanced under Arizona Revised Statutes (AR.S.) section 13-1204 for having been committed on a peace officer absent an express finding that the defendant knew the victim was a peace officer. Because we agree that the defendant’s knowledge that the victim was a peace officer is not an element of the offense, we affirm Appellant Jermaine Pledger’s conviction and sentence. 1

BACKGROUND 2

¶2 Pledger sought to purchase approximately 170 pounds of marijuana from “Ruiz.” Ruiz, led by Pledger, drove a…