Mexican citizen pleads guilty to illegally reentering the United States

LAKE CHARLES, La. – Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced today that a Mexican native and citizen pleaded guilty last week to reentering the United States without permission.

Oscar Hernandez-Hernandez, 39, pleaded guilty Thursday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen Kay to one count of illegal reentry of a removed alien. The plea will become final when accepted by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter. According to the guilty plea, Louisiana State Police conducted a traffic stop February 3, 2017on a vehicle that Hernandez was traveling in near Lafayette, La., on LA 12. Border Patrol agents were called in, and they learned that Hernandez was not allowed to reenter the United States as he was arrested for a number of offenses including felony possession of marijuana for sale, 4 pounds or more, which is a drug trafficking offense and qualifies him as an aggravated felon. Those designated as aggravated felons face heavier penalties under federal law.

Hernandez faces up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. The court set a sentencing date of September 19, 2017.

United States Border Patrol and the Louisiana State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert F. Moore is prosecuting the case.