The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania has announced that Wilson Cesar Velasquez-Escalante, a 33-year-old Guatemalan citizen, has been indicted by a federal grand jury. The indictment is for the charge of illegally reentering the United States.
Acting U.S. Attorney John C. Gurganus stated that the indictment claims Velasquez-Escalante was found in Franklin County on or about November 4, 2024, after having been previously removed from the country. It further alleges that he was deported from the United States on December 4, 2017, via Brownsville, Texas, and subsequently reentered without obtaining legal permission.
The investigation into this case was conducted by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant United States Attorney K. Wesley Mishoe is handling the prosecution.
If convicted of the offense charged, Velasquez-Escalante faces a maximum penalty of two years imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release. Additionally, there could be a fine and a special assessment imposed. Sentencing will take place after considering federal sentencing statutes and guidelines.
It is important to note that indictments are merely allegations. Individuals charged are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
