Nebraska Man Guilty of Living in U.S. Illegally

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Juan Manuel Villa-Mejia, age 31, of Scottsbluff, appeared before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken on May 14, 2012, and pleaded 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 February 2012, after being arrested by the Rapid City Police Department for traffic violations, Villa-Mejia was found to be living in the United States illegally. The investigation was conducted by the Rapid City Police Department and the Bureau of Immigration & 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 June 15, 2012. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending sentencing.