Convicted Felon Sentenced For 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, who was convicted of attempting to re-enter the United States following a subsequent felony conviction, was sentenced to time served (seven months) by U.S. District Court Judge Richard J. Arcara.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Marie P. Grisanti, who handled 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.