Columbia, South Carolina – Hugo Rolando Canenguez-Montes, a 52-year-old man from El Salvador, has pleaded guilty to violating federal law by illegally re-entering the United States. The crime, a violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326(a), carries a maximum penalty of 2 years in prison and/or a fine of $250,000.
Canenguez-Montes was encountered by agents from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on December 10, 2017, at the Lexington County Detention Center in Lexington. At the time of his arrest, he was facing charges of Kidnapping and Criminal Sexual Conduct 1st Degree.
A subsequent investigation revealed that Canenguez-Montes is a citizen of El Salvador who had been deported five times pursuant to an order of removal. United States Attorney Beth Drake stated that the government will seek to impose the maximum penalty for the crime.
The case was investigated by officers from ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant United States Attorney William E. Day, II, of the Columbia office is prosecuting the case.
United States District Judge J. Michelle Childs accepted Canenguez-Montes’ guilty plea and will impose a sentence after reviewing the presentence report, which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
Defendant: Hugo Rolando Canenguez-Montes, a 52-year-old man from El Salvador. Charges: Illegal Re-Entry, a violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326(a). Location: Columbia, South Carolina. Date of arrest: December 10, 2017. Sentence: To be determined after presentence report. Fine: Up to $250,000.
This case is a reminder of the importance of enforcing our nation’s immigration laws and holding individuals accountable for violating those laws.
Key Facts
- State: South Carolina
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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