In a courtroom decision that left many scratching their heads, a Washington, D.C. jury has found a Massachusetts man not guilty of assault for throwing a breakfast sandwich at a federal agent.
The unusual case centered around John William Morel, 37, of Falmouth, who faced up to a year in prison for the food-flinging incident that occurred outside the Washington Convention Center in September 2023.
The Breakfast Sandwich Confrontation
According to court documents, the confrontation began when Morel approached a U.S. Department of Energy protective services specialist and made comments about the agent's firearm. The situation escalated when Morel allegedly threw his breakfast sandwich toward the agent, though testimony revealed the food item missed its intended target.
Prosecutors had argued the sandwich-throwing constituted simple assault, but Morel's defense team successfully contended that the act didn't meet the legal threshold for violence or physical harm.
Jury Delivers Surprise Verdict
After brief deliberations, the jury returned with a not guilty verdict, accepting the defense's argument that throwing a sandwich simply doesn't qualify as assault under District of Columbia law.
The decision highlights the challenging nature of prosecuting unusual cases where the alleged weapon is something as mundane as a breakfast food item.
Broader Implications for Assault Cases
Legal experts suggest this case may set an interesting precedent for how courts interpret assault charges in non-traditional circumstances. The verdict raises questions about what constitutes genuine physical threat versus mere annoyance or protest.
While Morel walked away without criminal conviction, the case serves as a reminder that even seemingly trivial actions can lead to serious legal consequences and courtroom drama.
