January trial set in May 1 fake FBI badge eluding case

A man who allegedly flashed a fake FBI badge during a May 1 high-speed chase could face up to life in prison if he’s convicted of being a habitual felon at a five-day trial.

Fabian Eloy Campos, 39, entered innocent pleas on Tuesday to charges of attempting to elude deputies, stolen vehicle possession, assault with a deadly weapon and being a habitual felon.

District Judge Tod Young set a Jan. 25, 2021, trial date in the case, but warned that depends very much on the coronavirus.

While saying that he believed Campos had waived his right to a trial within 60 days, Young pointed out the Jan. 25 date was the earliest the case could see a jury.

“I’m not convinced we can safely have a jury trial in January,” he said. “The safety of the community, the court staff and even Mr. Campos are all important here. I find that as a matter of law, Mr. Campos waived his right to a speedy trial. It was his activities that caused a delay in this case. He’s getting the earliest trial date I can give him anyway.”

Campos waived his preliminary hearing in East Fork Justice Court and had signed a guilty plea agreement that charged him with eluding and vehicle theft. However, when he was told he could face up to 11 years in prison, he withdrew from the agreement.

That prompted prosecutors to amend the complaint against him to include the assault and habitual criminal charges.

According to court documents, Campos was driving a red Audi that had been reported stolen when he was spotted by Carson City deputies and accelerated to up to 90 mph southbound on Highway 395.

The chase led down to Johnson Lane where Campos allegedly hit a sheriff’s vehicle near the sandpits before turning around and speeding back down the road.

Deputies used a pursuit intervention technique to stop the Audi and took Campos into custody.

According to prosecutors, Campos used the fake FBI badge to commandeer the car from a Southern California garage and had been involved in a previous high-speed pursuit that had been discontinued for safety reasons.

Campos has at least a half-dozen prior felony convictions.