WASHINGTON — Federal prosecutors say a North Carolina man has been convicted of punching the ambassador of Gabon at a demonstration at that country's embassy in Washington.

Forty-five-year-old Leon Obame of Raleigh was convicted Thursday of assault on a foreign official. He faces a maximum of three years in prison; a sentencing date has not been set.

Prosecutors say the assault occurred on Dec. 9 at the embassy's temporary location on Connecticut Avenue N.W. Authorities say Obame punched the ambassador, knocking him to the ground.