Twice-Convicted Honduran Felon Admits Illegally Re-entry

UTICA, NEW YORK – Ronald Pineda-Carias, age 41, and a citizen of Honduras, pled guilty today to illegally re-entering the United States as a felon.

The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Robert N. Garcia, Chief Patrol Agent, United States Border Patrol, Swanton Sector.

On May 2, 2006, Pineda-Carias was convicted of felony cocaine possession in Miami, Florida, and was thereafter removed from the United States to Honduras.  On November 4, 2011, he was convicted of illegally re-entering the United States in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania.  Pineda-Carias was again removed to Honduras.  In all, Pineda-Carias has been removed to Honduras on 5 occasions.

On August 9, 2018, a Border Patrol Agent encountered Pineda-Carias in downtown Plattsburgh, New York.  Pineda-Carias had a brief conversation with the agent, but then fled on foot and dove into the Saranac River in an effort to evade agents.  After a brief search, a Plattsburgh Police Officer discovered Pineda-Carias hiding in bushes on the southwest bank of the river.  

As a result of his conviction, Pineda-Carias faces up to 10 years in prison when he is sentenced by United States District Judge David N. Hurd on December 20, 2018.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. 

This case was investigated by the United States Border Patrol, with assistance from the Plattsburgh Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas Collyer.