T Madison, Wis. - John W. Vaudreuil, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Lazaro Martinez-Medina, 43, a citizen of Mexico found living in Madison, Wis., was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William Conley to seven years in prison for illegally re-entering the United States. Martinez-Medina pleaded guilty to this charge on December 21, 2011.

In sentencing the defendant, Judge Conley noted that the defendant had a "horrendous criminal record" that was "replete with crimes of violence." Judge Conley was also concerned that Martinez-Medina seemed to indicate that his plans when he was returned to Mexico involved joining the Zetas, a dangerous street gang. Martinez-Medina had been removed two other times in the past.

The charge against Martinez-Medina was the result of an investigation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Altman.

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