Castro Faces 20 Years for Re-Entry

PITTSBURGH, PA – Pedro Armando Castro, 57, a citizen of Mexico, is facing serious federal charges after being indicted by a grand jury for illegally re-entering the United States. The indictment, announced today by United States Attorney David J. Hickton, details a pattern of disregard for U.S. immigration laws.

Castro was discovered at the Westmoreland County Prison in Greensburg, Pennsylvania on or about September 23, 2012. His presence there triggered the investigation that revealed he had already been removed from the country on October 24, 2002. This isn’t a simple border crossing; it’s a deliberate act of defiance, according to the indictment.

The single-count indictment accuses Castro of violating federal immigration laws specifically pertaining to unlawful re-entry after prior removal. The feds aren’t playing around with this. This isn’t about a desperate plea for asylum; it’s about a known removed alien choosing to ignore the law and return to the U.S.

If convicted, Castro faces a maximum total sentence of 20 years behind bars, a hefty fine of $250,000, or a combination of both. However, the actual sentence will be determined by the seriousness of the offense and any prior criminal history the defendant may have. Federal Sentencing Guidelines will be a key factor.

Assistant United States Attorney James T. Kitchen is spearheading the prosecution, building the case against Castro. The investigation leading to this indictment was conducted by the dedicated agents of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). They’ve been tracking Castro’s movements and gathering evidence.

It’s crucial to remember that an indictment is merely an accusation. Castro is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. However, the evidence suggests a clear violation of federal law, and the government is prepared to present its case. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it unfolds, bringing you the unvarnished truth from the courtroom.

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