Rapid City Man Pleads to Illegal Reentry After Deportation

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Jose Chavez-Hernandez, age 22, of Rapid City, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on October 26, 2012, and pled guilty to an indictment that charged him with Illegal Reentry After Deportation. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 2 years' imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine.

In October 2012, after a traffic stop by the Rapid City Police Department, Chavez-Hernandez was found to be living in the United States illegally. The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Immigration, Customs, and Enforcement and the Rapid City Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman.

A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date will be set. Chavez-Hernandez was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending sentencing.