Romanian National Strava Jailed for Illegal Re-Entry

Williamsport, PA – Nicolae Strava, a 30-year-old citizen of Romania, is headed back to his home country after receiving a nine-month federal prison sentence for the crime of illegally re-entering the United States. Chief United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann handed down the sentence today, ensuring Strava will serve time for flouting U.S. immigration law.

The case against Strava unfolded after his arrest in Centre County, Pennsylvania, on September 20, 2024, on charges of theft by deception. This wasn’t Strava’s first run-in with the law in the States. Records show he was previously removed from the United States on April 23, 2019, via Houston, Texas, following a court order. Despite that removal, he returned, triggering the federal charge of illegal reentry.

Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus confirmed that Strava pleaded guilty to the charge, acknowledging his unlawful return. The indictment stemmed from a swift investigation that highlighted the ongoing efforts to secure the border and enforce immigration laws. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania isn’t letting repeat offenders slip through the cracks.

But the prison sentence is only part of the story. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has already lodged a detainer against Strava, signaling the start of deportation proceedings. Once Strava completes his nine-month term, ICE will take custody and arrange for his removal from the country – this time, hopefully for good.

The investigation was spearheaded by ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) division, demonstrating a coordinated effort to track down and remove individuals who violate immigration laws. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robin Zenzinger skillfully prosecuted the case, securing the conviction and subsequent sentencing.

This case isn’t happening in a vacuum. It’s part of a larger, nationwide initiative known as Operation Take Back America. According to the Department of Justice, this operation is designed to “repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.” It streamlines resources from the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN), signaling a full-scale crackdown on border security and criminal activity. Details on Operation Take Back America can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline