Luigi Esposito, age 60, 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 case highlights ongoing efforts by federal authorities to address immigration violations and related criminal activity. Esposito was allegedly encountered in Franklin County on or about April 21 after having previously been removed from the country in 2019. The indictment alleges that he did not receive permission to reenter as required by law.
United States Attorney Brian D. Miller said, "The indictment alleges that Esposito was encountered in the United States in Franklin County on or about April 21, 2026, after having previously been removed in 2019, and that he did not receive permission to reenter the United States, as required by law." The investigation was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Scalera is prosecuting the case.
This prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America, which aims to use all resources of the Department of Justice to address illegal immigration and related criminal organizations.
If convicted, Esposito faces a maximum penalty under federal law of up to ten years imprisonment, supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Sentencing would be determined by a judge based on applicable statutes and guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations at this stage; 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 within its jurisdiction covering thirty-three counties across central Pennsylvania; it also offers victim support programs aimed at rehabilitation and community safety while serving approximately 3.2 million residents according to the official website.
