Jason M. Frierson U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the District of Nevada
Mexican and Salvadorian nationals, David Cristales-Machado and Juan Manuel Lopez-Mendez, appeared in court to face charges related to their illegal reentry into the United States after prior deportations. Both individuals have allegations of returning to the U.S. after being removed, despite having prior convictions.
Both Cristales-Machado and Lopez-Mendez, aged 35, are charged with one count each of a deported alien found in the United States. Their preliminary hearings are set for April 24, 2025, before Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Albregts.
Court documents state that Cristales-Machado is an El Salvador citizen who was previously deported in October 2014. He was arrested on March 22, 2025, by ICE after being taken into custody at the Clark County Detention Center due to a concealed weapon charge. His past felony convictions include attempting to possess a stolen vehicle twice and attempted burglary.
Lopez-Mendez, a citizen of Mexico, was deported in July 2018 and reentered the U.S. illegally. Arrested by ICE on March 28, 2025, after being held at the same detention center, he faced charges for possessing a controlled substance. His felony convictions include transporting a controlled substance and attempting to possess a stolen vehicle.
If Cristales-Machado is convicted, he could face a prison sentence of up to 10 years, followed by three years of supervised release, and financial penalties. Lopez-Mendez, if convicted, faces up to two years of imprisonment and a one-year supervised release term, along with similar fines.
"This announcement was made by United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Salt Lake City Field Office Director Michael Bernacke," according to the release. The investigation was carried out by ICE's Salt Lake City, Las Vegas Sub-Office, and the District of Nevada's United States Attorney's Office is prosecuting.
The public is encouraged to report suspicious activity to authorities by calling 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing an online tip form. It is important to note that these are accusations, and both defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
