Three Illegal Aliens Charged in Separate Cases Involving Illegal Re-Entry into the United States and Illegal Possession of Narcotics and Firearms

SHREVEPORT, La. – Three men found to be in the Western District of Louisiana illegally have been indicted by a federal grand jury in three separate cases, announced Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook. 

Ariel Mauricio Zelaya-Pineda a/k/a Carlos Antonio Pineda Ramos, 39, a citizen of Honduras, was charged in a complaint on April 30, 2025, with one count of re-entry of a removed alien, was arrested, and is currently in federal custody. The indictment returned by the grand jury alleges that Zelaya-Pineda was found in Bossier Parish, Louisiana, after having been removed from the United States on six prior occasions. The indictment alleges that Zelaya-Pineda never obtained the express consent of the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States. His prior removals are as follows:

• On or about April 27, 2009, at or near Columbus, Georgia;
• On or about November 10, 2010, at or near San Antonio, Texas;
• On or about May 27, 2013, at or near Dallas, Texas;
• On or about November 19, 2018, at or near Houston, Texas;
• On or about February 17, 2020, at or near Houston, Texas; and
• On or about July 29, 2024, at or near Alexandria, Louisiana.

If convicted, Zelaya-Pineda faces a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, and a fine of up to $250,000.

This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, a division of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and Bossier City Police Department, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robin McCoy.

The second immigration indictment charges Homero Arroyo-Ayala, 47, a citizen of Mexico, with one count each of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, re-entry of a removed alien, and possession of a firearm and ammunition by an illegal alien. The indictment alleges that on November 27, 2024, Arroyo-Ayala did possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine and possessed a 9mm “ghost gun” in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possession of a 9mm “ghost gun” and ammunition. 

It is alleged in the indictment that Arroyo-Ayala was found in Bossier Parish, Louisiana after having been denied admission to the United States and removed on July 16, 2003, at or near San Ysidro, California, and had never obtained the express consent of the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States. A sentencing notice included in the indictment alleges that Arroyo-Ayala was convicted in the Supreme Court of California, County of Los Angeles, of possession for sale of a controlled substance, an aggravated felony, and was subsequently removed from the United States. He is subject to increased punishment as to the charge of re-entry of a removed illegal alien. 

If convicted, Arroyo-Ayala faces a total sentence of a minimum of 5 years up to life in prison, and a fine of up to $250,000.

This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, a division of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and Louisiana State Police, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William Gaskins.

The third immigration indictment charges Erik Alexis Valladares-Corea a/k/a Eric A. Valladares, 23, a citizen of Honduras, with one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by an illegal alien and one count of re-entry of a removed alien. Valladares was charged in a complaint on May 8, 2025, with one count of possession of a firearm by an illegal alien and one count of illegal re-entry of a removed alien, was arrested, and is currently in federal custody. The indictment returned by the grand jury alleges that Valladares illegally possessed a Beretta Model 950B .22 caliber pistol and ammunition. It is further alleged that Valladares was found to be in the United States after having been denied admission, excluded, deported and removed therefrom on or about May 29, 2020, at or near Alexandria, Louisiana. Valladares did not obtain the express consent of the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States.

If convicted, Valladares faces up to 15 years in prison, and a fine of up to $250,000. 

This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, a division of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the Louisiana State Police, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William Gaskins.

An indictment is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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