Woman Pleads Guilty And Sentenced On Charge Of Illegal Re-Entry

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

BUFFALO, N.Y.—U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Olivia Leigh Suriani, 30, a citizen of Canada, pleaded guilty to illegal re-entry into the United States after deportation before Chief U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny. The defendant was then sentenced to time served by Judge Skretny.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Marie P. Grisanti, who handled the case, stated that on October 2, 2014, Suriani was arrested near Beaver Island State Park after having gained access to the United States by kayak near Buffalo, NY. When questioned by a Border Patrol agent, the defendant admitted to entering the United States illegally on the kayak.  She had been previously removed from the United States on January 13, 2014 and returned to Canada after she attempted to enter the U.S. while onboard a cruise ship. 

The plea and sentencing are the culmination of an investigation on the part of United States Border Patrol, under the direction of Patrol Agent in Charge Chris Buskey.