Reagan T. Fondren Acting United States Attorney Western District Of Tennessee | U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee
A federal grand jury in Jackson has indicted a Gibson County man for violating sex offender registry requirements and illegal reentry into the United States. Acting United States Attorney Reagan Fondren announced the indictment against Jose Alfredo Melendez-Hernandez, 52, who was arrested on February 12, 2025.
Melendez-Hernandez was found residing in Trenton without registering as a sex offender, a requirement under federal law following his previous conviction for sexual battery in Oklahoma. Investigations revealed that he had been deported in 2009 and had not obtained permission from the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the U.S.
He faces charges for failing to register as a sex offender under 18 U.S.C. § 2250(a) and illegal reentry under 8 U.S.C. § 1326(a) and (b)(2). The case is before United States District Court Judge S. Thomas Anderson in Jackson, TN. If convicted, Judge Anderson will determine his sentence based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Federal sentencing does not allow parole.
The investigation was conducted by the United States Marshals Service and the Department of Homeland Security. "The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations of criminal conduct, not evidence," emphasized Acting U.S. Attorney Fondren, adding that Melendez-Hernandez is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Assistant United States Attorney Immanuel Chioco is prosecuting the case with support from law enforcement partners involved in the investigation.
For further information, contact USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov or follow updates from the U.S. Attorney’s Office on social media platforms.
