July 1, 2009

MEXICAN MAN CHARGED FOR ILLEGAL ENTRY INTO U.S.

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that on June 25, 2009 Julian Hernandez-Olivera, 30, of the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, was charged by Complaint and appeared in United States District Court in Burlington with entering the United States at a place other than an official port of entry, and without valid immigration documents. At his initial appearance, Hernandez pleaded not guilty to the Complaint. He was ordered detained.

Court documents state that Hernandez and two companions, one of whom was a minor, came to the border and were picked up by relatives of Hernandez’ girlfriend. The relatives drove them to a motel but Hernandez and his companions fled when Border Patrol agents entered the parking lot. Border Patrol agents and other law enforcement officers searched the Derby Line area for many hours before Hernandez and his two companions were located and taken into custody.
If convicted, Hernandez faces up to six months in prison. The Acting United States Attorney cautioned that the Complaint is merely a charging instrument and that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The case is being handled by United States Customs and Border Protection. The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney James J. Gelber. Hernandez is represented by the Office of the Federal Public Defender.