Citizen of El Salvador Charged with Illegally Reentering U.S.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that, on August 13, 2019, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging MARIO ANTONIO HERRERA, 36, a citizen of El Salvador last residing in East Hartford, with one count of illegally reentering the U.S. after being deported.

Herrera appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven and entered a plea of not guilty to the charge.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, on March 26, 2010, Herrera was deported from the U.S. to El Salvador.  Herrera’s removal followed his conviction in Manchester Superior Court in July 2008 for assault in the second degree.  Herrera’s criminal history also includes Connecticut convictions for carrying a dangerous weapon, reckless endangerment, and other offenses.

On July 1, 2019, Herrera, who was using the name Antonio Morales, was arrested by the East Hartford Police Department and charged with disorderly conduct and interfering/resisting arrest.

If convicted of the charge of illegal reentry, Herrera faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

Herrera has been detained since his arrest.

U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  A defendant is entitled to a fair trial at which it is the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Deborah R. Slater.