E. Martin Estrada, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California
Federal prosecutors, in collaboration with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other federal law enforcement partners, have charged 21 defendants in the past week with allegedly being found in the United States after removal, the Justice Department reported.
The individuals charged had prior felony convictions before their removal from the U.S., offenses which included alien smuggling, burglary, grand theft, and assault with a deadly weapon.
"The crime of being found in the United States following removal carries a base sentence of up to two years in federal prison. Defendants who were removed after being convicted of a felony face a maximum 10-year sentence, and defendants removed after being convicted of an aggravated felony face a maximum of 20 years in federal prison."
Several cases were outlined in more detail:
David Casas-Herrera, 45, from Mexico, was charged with being an illegal alien found in the U.S. following multiple prior removals. His legal history includes convictions for alien smuggling and previous violations for being found in the U.S. after removal. Assistant United States Attorney Gregory Scally is handling this case.
Meanwhile, Marta Stoican, 40, of Romania, was charged after being arrested on burglary charges. Stoican has a record of theft-related convictions. Special Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth Bisland is prosecuting her case.
Another case involves Juan Solorzano Reyes, 40, from Mexico, who faced charges after various removals. His legal history involves drug-related offenses and an assault conviction. Assistant United States Attorney Gregory Staples is prosecuting Reyes.
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Homeland Security Investigations are conducting these investigations. The cases fall under Operation Take Back America, a Justice Department initiative focused on combating illegal immigration and organized crime activities.
All criminal complaints are based on allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
