Illegal Alien Admits Re-entering U.S. Without Permission

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A citizen of Mexico pleaded guilty in federal court in Johnstown on his conviction of re-entry of an illegal alien, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Yovani Escalante-Escalante, 32, of Blair County, Pa., pleaded guilty to the indictment before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, on Oct. 12, 2017, Escalante-Escalante, an alien who had been deported from the United States on May 13, 2009 was found in Blair County, Pa. He had unlawfully reentered this Country without receiving permission to do so from the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for Aug. 14, 2018, at 10 a.m. The law provides for a maximum sentence of two years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie L. Haines, is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Department of Homeland Security/Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Escalante-Escalante.