Peruvian Man Sentenced for Illegal Re-entry into United States

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Johny Elvis Vela Molina, age 39, and a citizen of Peru, was sentenced today to time served (44 days in jail), for illegal re-entry into the United States.

The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Thomas R. Decker, Director of the New York Field Office of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO).

Vela Molina was removed from the United States to Peru on December 8, 2009.  On October 29, 2018, he was encountered and arrested by an ICE Officer in Wallkill, Ulster County, New York. A fingerprint check of Vela Molina resulted in the discovery of the prior removal.  Vela Molina admitted that he returned to the United States without permission following the 2009 removal.    Vela Molina has never lawfully entered the United States. 

Following sentencing, Vela Molina was remanded to the custody of the Department of Homeland Security, for removal proceedings.

This case was investigated by ICE-ERO and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward P. Grogan.