ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Atlantida, Honduras, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal immigration laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Andres Carranza-Ferrera, 48, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on or about July 8, 2015, Carranza-Ferrera was found to be unlawfully present within the United States. Carranza-Ferrera had been previously deported and removed from the United States on Aug. 6, 2004. The defendant subsequently reentered the United States, and was found to be present in this country without the permission of the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.
Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date. The law provides for a total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Carranza-Ferrera.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
