COLUMBUS, Ohio — The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio announced new developments in federal immigration enforcement, including two recent convictions and new charges filed against another defendant. Two of the three men involved have prior arrests for domestic violence.
Eduardo Hernandez-Lopez, 37, a Mexican national, pleaded guilty in federal court Wednesday to illegally reentering the United States after deportation. Hernandez-Lopez had previously been arrested by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office for domestic violence, assault, and violating a protection order.
In a separate case, Gustavo Rodriguez-Piedra, 45, also a Mexican national, pleaded guilty Tuesday in Dayton to illegal reentry after deportation. He had previously been deported from Texas in 2010. Rodriguez-Piedra was sentenced to time served and will now face deportation proceedings.
The third defendant, Luis Callejas-Rosas, 54, of Mexico, was charged with illegal reentry after his arrest in Shelby County for domestic violence and strangulation. He was taken into federal custody following the local charges.
Under federal law, illegal reentry into the United States is punishable by up to two years in prison. Offenders with prior felony convictions or multiple misdemeanor convictions may face up to 10 years, and those with aggravated felony convictions could see sentences of up to 20 years.
Acting U.S. Attorney Kelly A. Norris announced the cases along with leadership from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Detroit Field Office, and the DEA Detroit Field Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tyler J. Aagard, Elizabeth Geraghty, and Erica Lunderman are prosecuting the cases.
These cases were investigated under Operation Take Back America, a national initiative established by Executive Order 14159 to combat illegal immigration, dismantle transnational criminal organizations, and reduce violent crime.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
