Mexican Pleads Guilty To Immigration Violation
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A citizen of Mexico pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal immigration laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Gilberto Lucero-Valenzuela, 42, of Mexico, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on or about Feb. 11, 2012, Lucero-Valenzuela was found in Sharpsburg, Pa., after having unlawfully re-entered the United States following removal on or about March 17, 2009.
Judge Ambrose scheduled sentencing for Aug. 20, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court continued the defendant's detention.
Assistant United States Attorney Margaret E. Picking is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Lucero-Valenzuela.
