3 Pennsylvania residents face criminal immigration charges

HARRISBURG, Pa. — A federal grand jury in Harrisburg indicted three men on illegal re-entry after deportation charges following an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO).

The following individuals who were unlawfully in the United States have been charged:

Santiago Ortiz-Ortiz, 49, a native and citizen of Mexico, was charged in a one-count indictment alleging that after he was previously arrested and deported, he knowingly and unlawfully reentered the United States. He was arrested by ERO officers in York County. If convicted, Ortiz-Ortiz faces a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Claudio Villa-Vera, 26, a native and citizen of Ecuador, was charged in a one-count indictment alleging that after he was arrested and deported, he knowingly and unlawfully reentered the United States. He was apprehended in York. If convicted, Villa-Vera faces a maximum sentence of up to two years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Jose Gonzalez-Sanchez, 25, a native and citizen of Mexico, was charged in a one-count indictment alleging that after he was previously arrested and deported, he knowingly and unlawfully reentered the United States. He was apprehended in Franklin. If convicted, Gonzalez-Sanchez faces a maximum sentence of up to two years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The cases are being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian G. McDonnell in the Middle District of Pennsylvania.