Jose Neftali Gonzales, Aggravated Felony Reentry, Virginia 2021

Alexandria, VA – A Salvadorian man with multiple previous convictions and removals has pleaded guilty to illegally reentering the United States subsequent to a conviction of an aggravated felony.

Jose Neftali Gonzales, 48, pleaded guilty to the charge after being discovered and arrested in the Eastern District of Virginia by ICE officers and the U.S. Marshals Service in August 2020.

According to court documents, Gonzales’ history of crime dates back to November 2000, when he pleaded guilty to distribution of cocaine. He was removed from the United States at taxpayer expense in November 2001, but illegally reentered the country at some point.

In August 2009, Gonzales was found at the Prince William County Adult Detention Center following an arrest in Prince William County for possession of schedule I or II controlled substances. He was convicted of felony possession of schedule I or II drug.

Gonzales was previously removed from the United States again in August 2011, but continued to evade authorities. In June 2010, he pleaded guilty to illegal reentry subsequent to conviction of an aggravated felony and was sentenced to 20 months in prison.

Neftali Gonzales is scheduled to be sentenced on March 3, 2021, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Gonzales’ case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alicia A. Bove and Assistant U.S. Attorney Marc J. Birnbaum.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:20-cr-187.

Mandatory Facts: Defendant’s full name: Jose Neftali Gonzales; Crime: Illegal reentry subsequent to conviction of an aggravated felony; City and state: Alexandria, Virginia; Date: August 2020; Sentence or outcome: Scheduled to be sentenced on March 3, 2021, with a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

Defendant: Jose Neftali Gonzales, 48; Crime: Distribution of cocaine (November 2000), Felony possession of schedule I or II drug (August 2009), Illegal reentry subsequent to conviction of an aggravated felony (June 2010); City and state: Alexandria, Virginia; Date: August 2020; Sentence or outcome: Scheduled to be sentenced on March 3, 2021, with a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

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