Sisseton Man Indicted for Unlawfully Entering the United States

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a man residing in Sisseton has been indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly reentering the United States after having been previously deported to Guatemala.

Sergio Paz-Puac, a/k/a Estuardo Vargas-Perez, age 26, was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 18, 2011, for Unlawfully Entering or Remaining in the United States. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on October 26, 2011, and pled not guilty to the indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 2 years' imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine. The charge is merely an accusation, and Paz-Puac is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins is prosecuting the case. Paz-Puac was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal. A trial date has not yet been set.