Mexican Citizen Charged with Possession of Fraudulent Immigration Documents and Illegal re-Entry after deportation

US Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Mexican man has been indicted by a federal grand jury.

Ismael Espinoza Ortiz, a/k/a Misael Ortega Sereseres, age 37, was indicted by a federal grand jury on December 4, 2012, for Possession of Fraudulent Immigration Documents and Illegal Re-Entry after Deportation. Espinoza Ortiz appeared before US Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on December 17, 2012, and pled not guilty to the indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years of imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine. If Espinoza Ortiz is found to have previously committed an aggravated felony, the maximum penalty is increased to 20 years of imprisonment. The charges are merely accusations, and Espinoza Ortiz is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Immigration & Customs Enforcement, and Assistant US Attorney Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the case. Espinoza Ortiz was remanded to the custody of the US Marshal. A trial date has not yet been set.