Francisco Avalos, a 28-year-old federal inmate, has been indicted by a federal grand jury for accessory after the fact and possessing contraband in prison, U.S. Attorney John P. Heekin announced today. This indictment makes Avalos the second individual charged in connection with an alleged incident that occurred on April 18, 2024, at a Federal Correctional Institution in Tallahassee, Florida.
The first indictment was against Jose Melendez-Rivera, who faces charges of assault with intent to commit murder, assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm, assault resulting in serious bodily injury, and possessing contraband in prison. The charges against Avalos stem from his alleged involvement following the same incident.
Avalos appeared for his arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick in Tallahassee. His jury trial is scheduled for July 20, 2026, at 8:30 am, before United States District Judge Mark E. Walker. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Prisons Special Investigative Services Unit conducted a joint investigation into the matter.