Arrested for DWI, man has illegally entered the United States eight times
RICHMOND, Va. - A Mexican national with previous convictions for robbery and kidnapping pleaded guilty today to illegally reentering the United States.
According to court documents, from 2002 to 2003, Aureliano Escorcia-Martinez, 37, illegally entered the United States on six separate occasions, was apprehended each time on the border by the U.S. Border Patrol, and then voluntarily returned to Mexico. Sometime after his last voluntary return to Mexico, he illegally re-entered the United States for a seventh time and made his way to Virginia and committed serious crimes. For example, in June 2006, Escorcia-Martinez was convicted in the Circuit Court for Henrico County for robbery (sentenced to 15 years) and abduction/kidnapping (sentenced to 10 years). All but two years and five months of the sentences were suspended.
“Over the past 18 years, Mr. Escorcia-Martinez has illegally entered or attempted to enter the United States at least eight times, has been convicted of robbery and kidnapping, and was in custody this time for drunk driving," said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “This recidivist behavior reflects a blatant disregard for our nation’s laws and borders, and represents a clear threat to public safety. The Department of Justice is committed to prioritizing criminal immigration enforcement, and this case reflects that continuing commitment."
In December 2009, Escorcia-Martinez was physically removed from the United States. Sometime later, Escorcia-Martinez again illegally reentered the United States for an eighth time.
In March, Escorcia-Martinez was incarcerated in the Henrico County jail for Driving While Intoxicated, and immigration authorities learned of his illegal return. Escorcia-Martinez was then indicted on the instant federal charges.
“This man committed serious crimes in our community - burglary, robbery, and driving under the influence," said Lyle Boelens, Acting Washington Field Office Director for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). “His repeated egregious disregard for the law, including immigration law, demonstrates he is a threat to the public. ICE is committed to identifying and removing individuals who break our immigration laws and pose a threat to public safety."
Escorcia-Martinez pleaded guilty to illegal reentry, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison when sentenced on November 16. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Lyle Boelens, Acting Washington Field Office Director for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), made the announcement after U.S. District Judge John A. Gibney, Jr., accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorney S. David Schiller is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:20-cr-65.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
