Convicted felon Joel Gamez-Orozco (43, Mexico) has been sentenced to a two-year stint in federal prison after pleading guilty to charges of illegally re-entering the United States following a previous deportation for an aggravated felony.
Ocala, Florida – On November 23, 2022, Judge John Antoon II heard the guilty plea from Gamez, who had been indicted on December 11, 2019, for the crime.
According to court records, Gamez is a native and citizen of Mexico. His troubles with the law began in 2006 when he was convicted of a felony – trafficking in marijuana – and sentenced to three years’ imprisonment. Following his release from state prison on August 28, 2006, Gamez was deported to Mexico on August 2, 2008.
However, on September 14, 2019, law enforcement officers from Lake County discovered Gamez had illegally returned to the United States while he was being arrested on new state criminal charges.
This case was investigated by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Assistant United States Attorneys Hannah Nowalk and Michael Felicetta handled the prosecution.
Gamez’s sentencing brings an end to a case that dates back to 2019. The defendant’s prior conviction and subsequent deportation only added to the severity of his sentence.
With Gamez now facing a two-year prison term, the community can rest a little easier knowing that justice has been served. The case serves as a reminder of the consequences of re-entering the United States after being deported.
The U.S. government takes these types of cases very seriously and will continue to pursue those who try to circumvent the law.
Defendant/Respondent: Joel Gamez-Orozco
Criminal Charges: Illegal Re-Entry After Deportation for an Aggravated Felony
City and State: Ocala, Florida
Exact Date: November 23, 2022
Sentence or Outcome: Two years in federal prison
Defendant’s Real Full Name: Joel Gamez-Orozco
Exact Criminal Charges: Illegal Re-Entry After Deportation for an Aggravated Felony
City and State: Ocala, Florida
Exact Date with Month/Day/Year: November 23, 2022
Sentence or Outcome: Two years in federal prison
Dollar Amounts: None Applicable
Related Federal Cases
- Douglas Lanier Hogan, Armed Drug Dealer, Florida 2020 · Oklahoma
- Marvin ‘MJ’ Mitchell, Possession with Intent to Distribute, Florida 2019 · Texas
- Bradleigh Wayne Carter, Methamphetamine Trafficking, Florida 2020 · Wyoming
- Alex Winters, Firearms and Drug Offenses, Florida 2020 · Oklahoma
- Glenn Edward Davis, Jr., Firearms & Drug Possession, Florida 2019 · Oklahoma
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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