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NewsNoticias Tampa Bay (Univision)August 24, 2026Hillsborough

Fort Bliss soldier sentenced to six years for child assault and other crimes

A Fort Bliss soldier, Spc. Baltazar E. Gonzalez, was sentenced to six years in prison and a dishonorable discharge after pleading guilty to assaulting his 3-year-old son, drug use, and assaulting a police officer. The sentencing follows a series of incidents in early 2025, including a February assault captured on security footage and a subsequent arrest for driving under the influence.

military justicedomestic violencecriminal sentencingFort Bliss
Read the full story at Noticias Tampa Bay (Univision)

Why It Matters

The case highlights the military justice system's handling of criminal conduct by active-duty personnel involving both civilian and military law enforcement jurisdictions.

Key Facts

  • Spc. Baltazar E. Gonzalez was sentenced to six years in prison and a dishonorable discharge.
  • Gonzalez pleaded guilty to child assault, cocaine use, driving under the influence, and assaulting a police officer.
  • The assault on his 3-year-old son occurred on February 17, 2025, in El Paso.
  • Evidence included security camera footage of the assault and testimony from a pediatric abuse specialist.
  • The child required two days of hospitalization following the assault.
  • Cocaine use was confirmed via a urine test on January 7, 2025.
  • Gonzalez was arrested for DUI and assaulting an officer on March 9, 2025, after leaving Fort Bliss while under restrictions.
  • The case was processed by the Army following an agreement between civilian and military authorities.
  • Gonzalez is currently held at the Otero County Detention Center awaiting transfer to a military prison.

Who's Mentioned

personRachel Seifert“Captain and prosecutor for the case.”personJoshua Storm“Major and prosecutor for the case.”personBaltazar E. Gonzalez“Specialist at Fort Bliss convicted of child assault and other crimes.”other911“Emergency call number used to report the assault.”organizationEl Paso Police Department“Law enforcement agency that investigated the initial assault and DUI.”locationFort Bliss“Military installation where the soldier was assigned.”