Prior Officer Assault Conviction Enhances Prison Term for Man Who Spat on Amarillo Officer
AMARILLO, Texas — A man with a history of targeting law enforcement officers has been sentenced to 10 years in state prison and ordered to pay a $7,000 fine after a jury convicted him of spitting in an officer’s face during a 2025 arrest, authorities announced.
Shawn Allen Wiggins was found guilty of Harassment of a Public Servant following a trial in the 251st District Court that began on September 21, 2026. While the offense is typically a third-degree felony in Texas, Wiggins’ prior prison record enhanced his punishment range to a second-degree felony, carrying a maximum potential sentence of 20 years in state prison.
July 2025 Disturbance and Spitting Incident
The charge stemmed from an incident on July 9, 2025, when officers with the Amarillo Police Department responded to reports of a disturbance. Upon arrival, responding officers located Wiggins standing outside the residence.
According to trial testimony, Wiggins spoke incoherently, admitted to consuming alcohol, and made explicit threats to harm an occupant inside the home. Officers placed Wiggins under arrest for public intoxication. During the arrest, Wiggins resisted, refused to enter the police car, and spat directly into an officer’s face.
Body Camera Evidence and Sentence Enhancement
During the guilt phase of the trial, prosecutors presented body-worn camera footage from all three responding officers alongside their testimony. The jury returned a guilty verdict after evaluating the evidence.
Wiggins elected to have the jury assess his punishment. During the sentencing phase, the jury heard evidence establishing that Wiggins had a documented history of attempting to injure and spit on police officers. Prosecutors also introduced evidence of a prior prison sentence for Assault on a Public Servant, which legally enhanced his punishment range.
On Wednesday, September 23, 2026, the jury returned a sentence of 10 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) along with a $7,000 fine. Prosecuting officials commended the responding Amarillo police officers for their professionalism and willingness to testify throughout the judicial process.
