SCRANTON, PA – Luis de Jesus Pichardo, 57, a Dominican national with a history of evading U.S. immigration law, is facing federal charges after being indicted yesterday by a grand jury in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. The indictment centers on a charge of reentry of previously removed aliens – a serious federal offense carrying a hefty potential prison sentence.
According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the feds allege Pichardo, a citizen of the Dominican Republic residing in Carbon County, Pennsylvania, wasn’t supposed to be here. He was previously deported from the United States in both 1996 and 2000. Despite those removals, authorities say they found him back on U.S. soil around July 16, 2025, with no legal authorization for readmission.
This case is part of a larger, nationwide push dubbed “Take Back America,” a Department of Justice initiative aimed at cracking down on illegal immigration and dismantling transnational criminal organizations. The DOJ is throwing everything it has at the border and beyond, funneling resources from existing task forces like the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods.
The investigation was spearheaded by the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and their Removal Operations (ERO) division – the agency tasked with tracking down and deporting individuals who have overstayed their visas or otherwise violated immigration laws. Assistant United States Attorney Luisa Berti is handling the prosecution, and she’ll be building the case against Pichardo.
If convicted, Pichardo is looking at a maximum sentence of 20 years behind bars, followed by a term of supervised release, and a significant fine. However, the final sentence will be determined by the judge, who will consider federal sentencing guidelines and applicable statutes. It’s a steep penalty, reflecting the seriousness with which the DOJ views repeat immigration violations.
It’s crucial to remember that an indictment is not a declaration of guilt. Pichardo, like all defendants in the American justice system, is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. He has the right to a fair trial, legal representation, and the opportunity to present a defense against these charges. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on any developments.
Related Federal Cases
- Warrington Man Cristhian Guerrero-Alvarez Charged with Illegal Reentry · Pennsylvania
- Allentown’s Ruben Dario Pena-Ortiz Charged in Illegal Reentry Case · Pennsylvania
- Philadelphia Man Charged in Illegal Reentry Case · Pennsylvania
- Daniel Acosta-Domiguez Charged in Illegal Reentry Case · Pennsylvania
- Norristown Man Indicted for Illegal Reentry After Deportation · Pennsylvania
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
