Sioux Falls Man Indicted for Illegally Reentering U.S.

US Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Sioux Falls man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for illegally reentering the United States after previously being deported.

Jesus Ramirez-Chilel, age 29, a citizen of Guatemala, was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 1, 2012, for illegal reentry after deportation. He appeared before US Magistrate Judge Veronica Duffy on May 7, 2012, and pled not guilty to the indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 2 years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine. The charge is merely an accusation, and Ramirez-Chilel is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The investigation is being conducted by the Sioux Falls Police Department and the US Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Assistant US Attorney Connie Larson is prosecuting the case. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the US Marshal. Trial has been set to begin July 10, 2012.