Mexican national charged in Wisconsin with immigration, drug and gun crimes

MADISON, Wis. – A previously deported Mexican national was indicted Wednesday on federal immigration, drug and gun-related charges.

This indictment resulted from an investigation conducted by the following agencies: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.

Jorge L. Gamez Nieto, 30, who resided in Fort Atkinson, Wis., was charged Jan. 29 with illegally re-entering the United States after having been previously deported, which is a felony. He was also charged with being an illegal alien unlawfully possessing a firearm, possessing 500 grams or more of cocaine with intent to distribute, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The indictment alleges that he possessed the cocaine and a 9mm pistol Jan. 8.

If convicted, Gamez Nieto faces up to two years in federal prison for illegal re-entry, up to 10 years for possessing a firearm, and a minimum of five years and up to 40 years for possessing cocaine with intent to distribute. Possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years and up to life in federal prison, which would be served consecutively to any penalty imposed for the drug offenses.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Rita M. Rumbelow, Western District of Wisconsin, is prosecuting this case.