SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania has announced the indictment of Luis de Jesus Pichardo, a 57-year-old native and citizen of the Dominican Republic residing in Carbon County, Pennsylvania. He was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges related to reentry of previously removed aliens.
Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus stated that the indictment alleges Pichardo had been previously removed from the U.S. in 1996 and 2000. He was found again in Carbon County, Pennsylvania, around July 16, 2025, without authorization for readmission to the United States.
The investigation was conducted by the United States Department of Homeland Security along with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). Assistant United States Attorney Luisa Berti is handling prosecution duties.
This case is part of "Take Back America," an initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration and transnational criminal organizations while protecting communities from violent crime perpetrators. The operation consolidates resources from various task forces within the Department of Justice.
Under federal law, this offense carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment, followed by supervised release and a fine. Sentencing is determined by a judge based on federal statutes and guidelines.
It is important to note that indictments are merely allegations; individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
