Indictments: Aliens Were Deported, But Returned to the U.S.

TOPEKA, KAN. – In three unrelated cases, a federal grand jury today indicted aliens who are accused of returning to the United States after being deported, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.

Enrique Jaime Ortega-Rodriguez, 40, a Mexican citizen, is charged with one count of unlawful re-entry. The indictment alleges that on July 26, 2020, he was found in Dodge City, Kan. In November 2015, he was deported from San Ysidro, Calif.

If convicted, he could face up to two years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch is prosecuting.

Edgar Castro-Motta, 39, is charged with one count of unlawful re-entry after being convicted of a felony and deported. The indictment alleges that on Jan. 29, 2020, he was found in Johnson County, Kan. In April 2015, he was deported after being convicted of a felony.

If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jabari Wamble is prosecuting.

Hector Medina-Espericueta, 55, is charged with one count of unlawful re-entry. The indictment alleges that on June 23, 2020, he was found in Johnson County, Kan. In March 2014, he was deported.

If convicted, he could face up to two years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jabari Wamble is prosecuting.

OTHER INDICTMENTS

Casey L. Casto, 38, Milford, Kan., who was an employee of the U.S. Postal Service in Milford, is charged with two counts of delaying or destroying mail. The crimes are alleged to have occurred during June and July 2019 in Milford.

If convicted, the defendant could face up to five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count. The U.S. Postal Service investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Kenney is prosecuting.

Chloe Jean Heather, 28, Holts Summit, Mo., and Paul Edward Raef, 38, Holts Summit, Mo., are charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The crime is alleged to have occurred June 18, 2020, in Geary County, Kan.

If convicted, they could face a penalty of not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $10 million. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey Debenham is prosecuting.

In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.