Mexican National Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Reentering the United States

Defendant had four prior removals for illegally entering the United States

BECKLEY, W.Va. –  Alonso Tapia-Gomez entered a guilty plea to the felony offense of Reentry of a Removed Alien, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  Tapia-Gomez,  36, of Michoacan, Mexico, faces up to 2 years of incarceration, a 250,000 dollar fine, supervised release for one year, and a special assessment of 100 dollars when he is scheduled to be sentenced on November 8, 2018.  Tapia-Gomez also faces removal proceedings at the conclusion of any sentence of incarceration.   United States Attorney Mike Stuart praised the work of the West Virginia State Police and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). 

“Four prior removals,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “One would think that Tapia-Gomez would have gotten the message by now.  Enter this country legally or face prosecution and deportation. We prosecute 100% of illegal reentry cases and we will continue until those entering illegally go back home, get back in line, and enter our great nation pursuant to our laws.”

On May 15, 2018,  Tapia-Gomez was driving a car on Interstate 64 near Beckley, Raleigh County, West Virginia when he was stopped by the West Virginia State Police for speeding.  Once stopped, Tapia-Gomez offered to the Trooper a Mexican Consular Identification document instead of a driver’s license.  The Trooper immediately contacted ICE agents to confirm alienage.  ICE spoke to Tapia-Gomez  and confirmed that he was not legally present in the United States. ICE agents drove to the area and placed Tapia-Gomez under arrest.  ICE agents further submitted Tapia-Gomez’s  fingerprints for a forensic examination.  The results of the examination matched him to four prior removals from the United States.  One prior removal was in 2009 and three prior removals were in 2010.  After being deported on four separate occasions, Tapia-Gomez then illegally reentered the United States without lawful permission from the Secretary of Homeland Security. Tapia-Gomez is a citizen of Mexico.

Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes handled the prosecutions.  Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the plea hearing.

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