Victorino Javier Cruz-Lopez, a 40-year-old citizen of Mexico, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one count of illegal reentry into the United States, according to a May 7 announcement from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.
The indictment alleges that Cruz-Lopez was found in York County around April 16 after having previously been removed from the country in 2013. Prosecutors say he did not have permission to reenter as required by law. The case is being investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Scalera handling prosecution.
United States Attorney Brian D. Miller said this case is part of Operation Take Back America, describing it as “a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.”
If convicted, Cruz-Lopez faces a maximum penalty under federal law of up to 20 years in prison, supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Sentencing would be determined by a judge considering applicable statutes and Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Officials emphasized that indictments are only allegations and all persons charged are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania prosecutes federal crimes and manages civil cases across its jurisdiction covering 33 counties. It offers victim support services and reentry programs designed to aid rehabilitation and community safety while serving about 3.2 million residents according to its official website.
