CINCINNATI — A Mexican national with a long history of violating U.S. immigration laws has been charged with trafficking fentanyl and cocaine in Ohio.
Luis Tapia, 27, was arrested at a Cincinnati residence on September 13 after attempting to escape from a second-floor window onto the roof. He eventually retreated into the house and locked himself in a closet, prompting a Special Response Team to forcibly enter the home and apprehend him.
According to court documents, Tapia has been previously removed from the United States nine times between 2012 and 2019, with each removal followed by his illegal reentry into the country. His most recent deportation occurred on April 25, 2018.
Tapia is also accused of attempting to flee from law enforcement during a routine traffic stop in August 2019, where he falsely identified himself as his brother, who is lawfully in the country under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy.
Tapia’s reentry into the United States is punishable by up to 10 years in prison. He also faces charges related to possessing more than 400 grams of fentanyl with the intent to distribute, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a potential maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Additionally, he is charged with possessing cocaine with the intent to distribute, which carries a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio Benjamin C. Glassman commended the investigation into the case, which involved ICE, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Cincinnati and Norwood police departments, as well as Special Assistant United States Attorney Kelly K. Rossi, who is prosecuting the case.
An indictment should not be considered as evidence of guilt; all persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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