HOUSTON – In a stark reminder of the consequences of breaking the law, two Mexican nationals have been ordered to federal prison in separate, but similar, cases for returning to the United States without authorization.
Raymundo Pecina-Lopez, 43, has now admitted his guilt, while Samuel Moreno-Soto, 38, pleaded guilty on December 9, 2025.
U.S. District Judge Charles Eskridge sentenced Pecina-Lopez to 39 months, and U.S. District Judge Keith P. Ellison has imposed an 18-month-term for Moreno-Soto.
Not U.S. citizens, both are expected to again face removal proceedings following their imprisonment. At the hearings, the courts heard additional evidence regarding their criminal histories.
Both men have previous convictions for assault of a family member and narcotics offenses. Pecina-Lopez was also convicted of driving while intoxicated and illegally carrying a weapon, and Moreno-Soto has additional convictions of harboring aliens and illegal reentry.
Pecina-Lopez was first ordered removed in September 2009 and returned illegally one time, while Moreno-Soto was initially removed in June 2014 and returned twice without authorization.
They have been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Enforcement and Removal Operations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Hostetter prosecuted both matters with the assistance of Special AUSA Carrie Law and AUSA Amanda Alum on the Pecina-Lopez and Moreno-Soto cases, respectively.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the federal government to protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Related Federal Cases
- Fernando Ramirez-Noria Sentenced to 7 Years for Unlawful Reentry, H… · Maine
- Federal Prosecutors, Immigration Cases Filed, Texas, 2023 · Alabama
- Javier Martinez, AR-15 Assault on Law Enforcement, Texas 2024 · Alabama
- Marc Anthony Hill, Armored Car Hijacking Attempt, Texas 2024 · Texas
- Matthew Harold Iron, Sr., Felony Child Abuse, Texas 2016 · Texas
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
