Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty To Attempting To Illegally Re-Enter The U.S.

CONTACT:       Barbara Burns  
PHONE:          (716) 843-5817
FAX:            (716) 551-3051
                               

                        BUFFALO, N.Y.–U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Fernando DeAzevedo Melo, 46, a citizen of Portugal, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Richard J. Arcara, to attempting to re-enter the United States following a subsequent felony conviction. The charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.

                        Assistant U.S. Attorney Marie P. Grisanti, who is handling the case, stated that on June 30, 2014, Melo attempted to re-enter the United States at the Rainbow Bridge. Because the defendant had previously been removed from the United States for a previous felony conviction, he needed permission to reapply for admission into the United States.

                        The investigation is the culmination of an investigation on the part of Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Randy Howe, Director of Field Operations.             

                        Sentencing is scheduled for March 6, 2015, at 1:00 p.m. before Judge Arcara.