UNITED STATES ATTORNEY ALICE H. MARTIN NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ALABAMA
	FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE			CONTACT: KAREN NARAMORE
	MAY 1, 2009			PHONE: (205) 244-2001
	www.usdoj.gov/usao/aln			FAX: (205) 244-2171

ILLEGAL MEXICAN ALIENS INDICTED FOR RE-ENTRY

BIRMINGHAM, AL-    ALEJANDRO ORTEGA-GONZALEZ, 26, and JORGE VALENTE LOREDO-MALDONADO, 35,  both  of Mexico, were indicted today for illegal re-entry of a deported alien.  MATIAS DIEGO FRANCISCO-PASCUAL, 28 of Guatemala and HECTOR EDUARDO RAMIREZ-GUTIERREZ, 45 of Mexico, were also indicted today for illegal re-entry after having been previously deported from the United States.  Alice H. Martin, U.S. Attorney announces the indictments today.

            “It is crucial for anyone entering this country with the intent to work or reside, to go through the proper legal channels.  Otherwise, they could face federal prison time,” stated United States Attorney Alice H. Martin.

            The maximum penalty for illegal re-entry is up to 20 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000.00, or both.

            These cases were investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agents, and are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Beau Brown on behalf of the United States.

            Members of the public are reminded that an indictment only contains charges.  A defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.