Allentown’s Ruben Dario Pena-Ortiz Charged in Illegal Reentry Case

Ruben Dario Pena-Ortiz, 43, a/k/a “Willie Diaz Rosa,” a/k/a “Lorenzo Echavaria,” of Allentown, PA, is back in federal crosshairs — charged with illegal reentry into the United States following two prior deportations, according to a federal indictment unsealed today.

The indictment, announced by United States Attorney Zane David Memeger, alleges that on or about June 1, 2016, Pena-Ortiz — a native and citizen of the Dominican Republic — was found inside the U.S. despite having been formally removed on August 8, 2004, and again on November 19, 2013. His return violates federal law prohibiting previously deported non-citizens from reentering without authorization.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) handled the investigation, tracking Pena-Ortiz’s movements and immigration history to build the case. Federal prosecutors now allege he knowingly circumvented deportation orders, a felony under Title 8 of the U.S. Code.

If convicted, Pena-Ortiz faces a maximum sentence of twenty years in federal prison, a steep penalty underscoring the seriousness with which the DOJ treats repeat immigration violations with potential gang or organized affiliations often in play.

Assistant United States Attorney Katherine E. Driscoll is leading the prosecution. Court records do not yet indicate whether Pena-Ortiz has entered a plea, nor whether aliases were used to evade detection during prior enforcement actions.

An Indictment, Information or Criminal Complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.