Felon Sentenced to 15 Months for Attempting Illegal Re-Entry

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Maria Martinez, a/k/a Maria Josefa Munagorri Diaz, age 49, of Madrid, Spain, was sentenced today to 15 months in prison for attempting to illegally re-enter the United States.

The announcement was made by United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and Steven Bronson, United States Customs and Border Protection Port Director for the Champlain Port of Entry.

In 2002, Martinez was convicted of conspiracy to distribute cocaine in the Northern District of Ohio. After serving 32 months in prison, she was removed from the country. As a result of her conviction, Martinez was not allowed to re-enter the United States.

On August 8, 2016, Martinez presented herself at the Champlain Port of Entry for admission to the United States and presented a passport in the name “Maria Josefa Munagorri Diaz.” A fingerprint scan of Martinez, conducted by United States Customs and Border Protection Officers, resulted in the discovery of her criminal history and prior deportation.

Following her term of imprisonment, Martinez will be transferred to the custody of the Department of Homeland Security, which will place her into removal proceedings.

This case was investigated by United States Customs and Border Protection, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas Collyer.