Previously Deported Alien Charged With Illegal Re-Entry, Illegal Gun Possession, And Drug Offenses

HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced a federal grand jury in Harrisburg charged Anthony Rodriguez-Ortiz, age 33, yesterday with illegal re-entry into the United States by a previously deported alien, felon in possession of a firearm, illegal alien in possession of a firearm, possessing with intent to distribute controlled substances, and distribution of controlled substances. 

According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Rodriguez-Ortiz was previously deported from the United States to the Dominican Republic in December 2013.  He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States again sometime after December 2013 and was found in the United States in York County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers. When encountered, he, as an illegal alien and convicted felon, was in possession of a firearm, and fentanyl. He also had sold fentanyl on two previous occasions.

This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joanne M. Sanderson.

Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

Rodriguez-Ortiz faces a maximum penalty of 40 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.  Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.

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