Burlington, Vermont – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont has announced charges against Julio Pinto, a 57-year-old Canadian, for illegal reentry into the United States following a prior deportation.
Julio Pinto appeared on April 22 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle, who decided Pinto would remain in custody while the legal proceedings continue.
Court records detail that Pinto previously received an Expedited Order of Removal in October 2023, which barred him from reentering the United States for five years. Despite this, Pinto crossed the Canada-U.S. border illegally on April 21, 2025, and was located in a gas station in Alburgh, Vermont.
Officials from the U.S. Attorney’s Office have clarified that the charges against Pinto are currently allegations, emphasizing the legal principle that Pinto remains innocent unless proven guilty. A conviction could result in up to two years of imprisonment, though the sentence would ultimately be determined by the District Court using the United States Sentencing Guidelines.
Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher praised the U.S. Border Patrol for its investigative work in this case.
Assistant United States Attorney Joshua L. Banker is the prosecutor, while the Federal Public Defender’s Office represents Pinto.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, which is a national effort organized by the Department of Justice aimed at combatting illegal immigration, dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and enhancing public safety. This initiative includes coordinated efforts with the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
