Chile Resident Charged with Illegally Re-entering the U.S.

Pittsburgh, PA - A resident of Chile, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal immigration laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Jose Zapata, 51, of Chile, as the sole defendant.

According to Indictment presented to the court, on or about Nov. 16, 2022, Zapata illegally reentered the United States of America as a previously removed alien.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than two years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Katherine C. Jordan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Department of Homeland Security conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.