Sioux Falls Woman Sentenced in Immigration Offense

US Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Maria DeJesus Sanchez-Mejia, age 52, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced on May 11, 2012, by Chief US District Judge Karen E. Schreier to time served (114 days).

Sanchez-Mejia was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 10, 2012, for possession of fraudulent immigration documents. She came into contact with law enforcement in Sioux Falls on or about November 9, 2011, when the residence she shared with others was searched. At that time officers found a counterfeit Permanent Resident card and a counterfeit Resident Alien card. She pled guilty to the offense May 7, 2012.

This case was investigated by the Sioux Falls Police Department and the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Assistant US Attorney Connie Larson prosecuted the case.

Sanchez-Mejia was immediately turned over to the custody of immigration authorities for deportation.