Illegal Alien from Mexico Pleads Guilty to Re-entering United States without Permission

ERIE, Pa. - A citizen of Mexico pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal immigration laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Juan Aranda-Lara, 38, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on or about December 17, 2018, Aranda-Lara was found to be unlawfully present within the United States. Aranda-Lara had been previously ordered deported and removed from the United States on May 11, 2001 and was removed from the United States on May 15, 2001, September 29, 2009, November 14, 2009, November 24, 2009, December 1, 2009, and November 20, 2014. The defendant subsequently reentered the United States, and was found to be present in this country without the permission of the Attorney General of the United States or his successor the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

Judge Baxter scheduled sentencing for August 22, 2019 at 11 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of two years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Marshall J. Piccinini is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Aranda-Lara.