Mexican Pleads Guilty to Illegally Re-Entering United States after Removal

PITTSBURGH - A citizen of Mexico has pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal immigration laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Juan Rivera-Santos, 39, pleaded guilty to one count before Nora Barry Fischer. 

In connection with the guilty plea, on or about Sept. 17, 2015, Rivera-Santos was found in North Versailles, Pa., after having unlawfully re-entered the United States following removal on several occasions.

Judge Fischer scheduled the sentencing for April 21, 2016, at 1 p.m.  The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 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, if any, of the defendant. 

Assistant United States Attorney Paul E. Hull is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.