E. Martin Estrada, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California
Federal prosecutors have filed charges against 17 individuals for allegedly re-entering the United States illegally after being previously removed, according to an announcement from the Justice Department. The defendants include individuals with prior felony convictions, such as assault with bodily injury. One defendant is suspected of murder, and another faces allegations of assault with intent to rape.
The crime of illegal re-entry into the U.S. can result in a sentence of up to two years in federal prison. If a defendant was removed following a felony conviction, they could face up to 10 years, while those removed after an aggravated felony conviction may face up to 20 years.
Among those charged is Jescar Amarzca-Olgiuen, 51, from Mexico. He was arrested in Orange County on March 19 as a suspect in a 2023 murder case involving multiple gunshot wounds. Amarzca has a prior felony conviction for fraud and misuse of visas and permits.
Marvin Campos Cerna, 29, from El Salvador, was arrested on March 7 in West Hollywood for alleged crimes including assault with intent to rape and kidnapping. Previously convicted for assault with bodily injury in 2014, he served six years in California state prison.
Victor Navarro-Cota, 23, and Tereso Guadalupe Martinez-Reyes, 20, both from Mexico, were apprehended near Barstow on March 13 while transporting shoes valued at over $81,000. Both had been deported earlier this year.
The investigations are being conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement along with Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorneys from the Domestic Security and Immigration Crimes Section and the General Crimes Section are handling these prosecutions.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
