Edilzar Morales-Barillas, 36, Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Reentry in Boston
BOSTON – In a shocking turn of events, Edilzar Morales-Barillas, a 36-year-old Guatemalan national, pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to illegally reentering the United States after deportation.
Morales-Barillas was deported from the United States on May 14, 2021. However, sometime after his removal, he unlawfully reentered the country. Immigration and Customs Enforcement became aware of Morales-Barillas’ unlawful presence in the United States on May 27, 2023, following his arrest for a fourth offense of operating under the influence of alcohol.
The defendant, Morales-Barillas, was charged on July 31, 2024, with one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton scheduled sentencing for May 7, 2025.
The charge of unlawful reentry of a deported alien provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant will be subject to deportation proceedings upon completion of any sentence imposed.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Todd M. Lyons, Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Sullivan of the Criminal Division is prosecuting the case.
Morales-Barillas’ guilty plea serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of violating U.S. immigration laws. As the investigation and prosecution of such cases continue, it is essential to hold individuals accountable for their actions.
The case is a testament to the tireless efforts of law enforcement agencies in enforcing immigration laws and protecting national security.
Mandatory Facts:
- Defendant/Respondent: Edilzar Morales-Barillas
- Criminal Charges: One count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien
- City and State: Boston, Massachusetts
- Exact Date: July 31, 2024 (charged), May 14, 2021 (deported), May 27, 2023 (arrest)
- Sentence or Outcome: Sentencing scheduled for May 7, 2025
- Dollar Amounts: Up to $250,000 fine
Key Facts
- State: Massachusetts
- Category: Public Corruption|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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