Bayron Leopoldo Perez Batres, a 63-year-old Guatemalan national, appeared in federal court in Baltimore, Maryland, on charges of illegal reentry after being deported from the United States multiple times. The indictment alleges that Perez Batres, who lived in Beltsville, Maryland, unlawfully returned to the country after removals in January 1996, September 2009, and May 2010. He reportedly did not obtain permission from the Attorney General or Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission as required by law.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the indictment along with Acting Special Agent in Charge Evan Campanella of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) – Maryland.
"An indictment is not a finding of guilt. Individuals charged by indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty at a later criminal proceeding," according to the announcement.
If convicted, Perez Batres could face up to two years in federal prison. Sentencing would be determined by a federal district court judge based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other legal factors.
The case was investigated and prosecuted by Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA), which focuses on combating human smuggling and trafficking linked to cartels and transnational criminal organizations. JTFA coordinates efforts between the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security and supports prosecutions related to crimes involving unaccompanied alien children.
JTFA has expanded its operations beyond Mexico and Central America to include Canada, the Caribbean, maritime borders, and other regions. The task force works with several U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across different districts and partners with agencies such as ICE/HSI, CBP/BP/OFO, FBI, among others. According to officials, JTFA’s activities have led to more than 425 arrests domestically and internationally of leaders involved in smuggling or trafficking operations; over 375 convictions; more than 325 significant jail sentences; and asset forfeitures.
This prosecution is also part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative created under Executive Order 14159. HSTF aims to dismantle criminal cartels and transnational organizations operating within the United States through interagency cooperation at federal, state, and local levels. Special attention is given to crimes involving child trafficking or offenses against children.
Additionally, this case falls under Operation Take Back America—a nationwide effort using Department of Justice resources to address illegal immigration and organized crime groups that contribute to violent crime.
U.S. Attorney Hayes thanked HSI for its role in investigating the case as well as Assistant U.S. Attorney LaShanta Harris and Trial Attorneys Matthew Thiman and Sean F. Mulryne from the Justice Department’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section for prosecuting it.
More information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Maryland can be found at justice.gov/usao-md or justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
