Honduran National Admits Illegal Return to US

NEW ORLEANS, LA – Marvin Antonio GARCIA-PINOTT, 30, a citizen of Honduras, has confessed to the crime that brought him back into the crosshairs of federal law enforcement: illegal re-entry. U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced the guilty plea today, marking another case of a deported alien attempting to circumvent the system.

According to court documents, GARCIA-PINOTT was discovered within U.S. borders on October 3, 2016 – a clear violation of his prior deportation order. The details surrounding his initial removal haven’t been released, but his return triggered a renewed investigation by the Department of Homeland Security/Immigration and Custom Enforcement and Removal. This wasn’t a simple border crossing; it was a deliberate act of defiance.

The charge against GARCIA-PINOTT stems from Title 18, United States Code, Section 1326(a) – the federal statute specifically addressing illegal re-entry of removed aliens. It’s a charge that carries significant weight, reflecting the government’s hard line on border security and immigration enforcement. This isn’t about victimless crime; it’s about upholding the rule of law.

Now, GARCIA-PINOTT is facing the consequences. He could receive a maximum sentence of two years in federal prison. A hefty $250,000 fine looms as another potential penalty, or twice the gross gain derived from the offense, whichever is greater. Beyond imprisonment, he’s looking at one year of supervised release and a $100 special assessment fee – a financial sting to accompany his incarceration.

U.S. District Judge Kurt D. Engelhardt has scheduled GARCIA-PINOTT’s sentencing for April 12, 2017. The judge will weigh the facts of the case, GARCIA-PINOTT’s criminal history (if any), and sentencing guidelines to determine the appropriate punishment. Expect a firm response from the bench; this is a message sent to others contemplating similar violations.

U.S. Attorney Polite was quick to commend the work of the DHS/ICE and Removal teams, acknowledging their relentless pursuit of individuals who attempt to flout immigration laws. This case serves as a stark reminder that crossing the border illegally, especially after being previously deported, is a serious federal offense with real and lasting repercussions. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the sentencing.

RELATED: Deported Honduran Faces Federal Re-Entry Rap

RELATED: Deported Honduran Faces Federal Re-Entry Rap