John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARIO ANTONIO HERRERA, also known as Antonio Morales, 36, a citizen of El Salvador last residing in East Hartford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to illegally reentering the U.S. after being deported.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 26, 2010, Herrera was deported from the U.S. to El Salvador. Herrera’s removal followed his conviction in Manchester Superior Court in July 2008 for assault in the second degree. Herrera’s criminal history also includes Connecticut convictions for carrying a dangerous weapon, reckless endangerment, and other offenses.
On July 1, 2019, Herrera, using the name Antonio Morales, was arrested by the East Hartford Police Department and charged with disorderly conduct and interfering/resisting arrest.
Herrera has been detained since his arrest. Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for May 14, 2020, at which time Herrera faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Deborah R. Slater.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
