Illegal Alien Charged With Re-Entering U.S. Following Deportation
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - An individual found in Irwin, Pa., has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of re-entry into the United States after deportation, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
The one-count indictment named Rene Santiago-Cotzalo, 26, as the sole defendant.
According to indictment, Santiago-Cotzalo, an alien, was formally removed from the United States by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Oct. 25, 2004, and March 6, 2005. Santiago-Cotzalo was found on Sept. 12, 2011, in Irwin, Pennsylvania.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of two years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Defendant has been placed on detention.
Assistant United States Attorney Paul E. Hull is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
