A resident of Honduras has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh for illegal re-entry into the United States, according to an announcement made by United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan.
The indictment names Saul Enrique Padilla-Mejia, 38, as the defendant. The document states that Padilla-Mejia was removed from the U.S. on or about August 13, 2019. He was arrested on February 4, 2024, by Pennsylvania State Police for several traffic violations including driving under the influence and without a license.
Subsequently, on September 1, 2024, Padilla-Mejia was apprehended by Moon Township Police Department concerning the illegal re-entry charge. He was later taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on October 30, 2024.
Padilla-Mejia appeared in federal court on December 4, 2024, where he was ordered to be detained pending trial.
“The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to two years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both,” stated the release. It further explained that “under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.”
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski on behalf of the government. The investigation leading to this indictment was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement along with Pennsylvania State Police.
It is important to note that an indictment is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
