A previously deported illegal migrant from El Salvador who was accused of chasing a U.S. attorney with a knife has pleaded guilty to lesser charges and is now facing likely deportation, as reported by The New York Post.

Saul Morales-Garcia, 40, appeared in Albany City Court on Thursday and pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor charges: menacing and criminal possession of a weapon. He was sentenced to 90 days in Albany County Correctional Facility.

The incident occurred on June 17 near the Albany Hilton Hotel, where authorities say Morales-Garcia chased U.S. Attorney John Sarcone, who serves as the federal prosecutor for the Northern District of New York.

Despite the seriousness of the accusations, Morales-Garcia smiled during his court appearance, even as he was sentenced and remanded into custody. He did not make a formal statement during the proceeding.

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Morales-Garcia had initially been charged with attempted murder, but the charge was later dropped by prosecutors. Attempted murder is not a bail-eligible offense under New York state law. The case was ultimately resolved with a plea deal.

His defense attorney, Vincenzo Sofia, said the original charge was “blown out of proportion” and expressed relief that a deal was reached. “I’m just happy we were able to work out something that was fair for him,” Sofia said.

Albany County District Attorney Lee Kindlon acknowledged Morales-Garcia’s extensive legal issues and said the plea allowed for other jurisdictions to take action.

“Ultimately we decided that the best way forward is to allow a quick plea to a misdemeanor, get some time, so if anybody else wanted to file a warrant or another jurisdiction… they want to come get him when his sentence is done, then we’re going to allow for that,” Kindlon said.

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Federal immigration authorities were not present at the courthouse during the hearing. However, Sofia said he believes the federal government will initiate deportation proceedings.

Morales-Garcia has multiple active warrants in at least three other states and in federal court, officials said. He had previously been deported from the United States before returning illegally.

Albany County officials did not confirm whether Morales-Garcia would be transferred directly to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody after completing his sentence.

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