A 32-year-old Buffalo woman has been charged with illegal re-entry, a crime that carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both.
BUFFALO, N.Y.—Olivia Leigh Suriani, a citizen of Canada, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with illegal re-entry. According to the complaint, Niagara Regional Police alerted U.S. Border Patrol that a woman was onboard a kayak heading toward Beaver Island State Park from Canada.
Upon arrival, Suriani was found near Beaver Island Park approaching a taxi. When questioned by a Border Patrol agent, the defendant admitted to entering the United States illegally on the kayak. Suriani was previously removed from the United States on January 13, 2014 and returned to Canada after she arrived onboard a cruise ship.
The investigation, led by US Border Patrol Agents under the direction of Patrol Agent in Charge Chris Buskey, culminated in the filing of the criminal complaint. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marie P. Grisanti is handling the case.
Suriani made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Hugh B. Scott and is being held pending a detention hearing on October 17, 2014.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Buffalo residents are concerned about the rising number of illegal re-entries in the area. ‘This is a serious crime and should be taken seriously,’ said local resident Jane Doe.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Human Trafficking|White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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