Rapid City Man Guilty of Living in United States Illegally

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Martin Sanchez-Garza, age 43, of Rapid City, appeared before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken on January 12, 2012, and pled guilty to a charge of Illegal Reentry After Deportation. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 2 years' imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine.

In December 2011, after being arrested by the Rapid City Police Department for false personation, Sanchez-Garza was found to illegally be living in the United States after having been previously deported to Mexico. The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman.

A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date was set for February 10, 2012. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending sentencing.