Removed Alien Charged With Illegally Re-Entering U.S.

PITTSBURGH - An alien found in Cranberry Township, Pa., has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of illegal re-entry after deportation, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count indictment named Raul Cartagena, 32, of El Salvador, as the sole defendant. According to the indictment presented to the court, Raul Cartagena, an alien, was formally removed from the United States by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement on July 15, 2011. Raul Cartagena was found to be illegally present in Pittsburgh, Pa., on Dec. 18, 2013.

The law provides for a maximum total 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, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement 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.