A Honduran national has pleaded guilty in federal court to charges related to illegal re-entry into the United States and social security fraud, according to an announcement from Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti.
Jose Mejia-Sarmiento, 66, entered his plea before United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines, admitting guilt to nine counts listed in the indictment.
According to information presented during the plea hearing, Mejia-Sarmiento was discovered in the U.S. on three separate occasions between 1996 and 2016 after having been deported each time. On one of those occasions, he had previously been convicted of a felony. Additionally, between May 2024 and February 2025 in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Mejia-Sarmiento made false statements to the Social Security Administration by using another person's identification.
Judge Haines has set sentencing for December 9, 2025. The maximum penalty under federal law is five years in prison and a $250,000 fine; however, sentencing will be determined based on federal guidelines that consider both the severity of the offenses and any prior criminal history.
Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting the case for the government.
The investigation leading to these charges was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, Department of Homeland Security Investigations, and the Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General.
"Troy Rivetti announced today."
