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June 28, 2012London, KY, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

Previously deported aggravated felon charged with illegally re-entering US

LONDON, Ky. — A previously deported aggravated felon from Mexico was indicted by a federal grand jury Thursday for illegally re-entering the United States. These charges resulted from an investigation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO).

A federal grand jury in London returned an indictment charging Leonel Lopez-Limon, 34, who had been residing in Dry Ridge, Ky., with illegally re-entering the United States after having been deported as an aggravated felon. Re-entering the United States after being formally deported is a felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

Lopez-Limon had been convicted of committing a drug-related aggravated felony Feb. 22, 2010. He was subsequently removed from the United States in October 2010 as a result of that felony conviction. However, Lopez-Limon was again encountered by ERO in Grant County, Ky., May 5, 2012.

If convicted, Lopez-Limon faces up to 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. He will be deported again to Mexico after he completes any prison sentence imposed.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony Bracke, Eastern District of Kentucky, is prosecuting the case.

The public is reminded that an indictment is an accusation only. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

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