Mexican National Charged with Illegal Reentry

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that Rufino Hernandez-Hernandez, 42, of Mexico, has been charged by criminal complaint with unlawful re-entry following prior removal from the United States.

Court records indicate that Hernandez-Hernandez was removed from the United States on four occasions from 2013 through 2020. Because of that history, and because he had failed to reapply for admission to the United States, his presence in the United States constitutes a new offense.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that the complaint contains allegations only and that Hernandez-Hernandez is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Hernandez-Hernandez faces up to two years’ incarceration if convicted. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.

Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the investigatory efforts of the U.S. Border Patrol.

The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Zachary Stendig. Hernandez-Hernandez is represented by the Office of the Federal Public Defender.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).