U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans has announced the indictment of Juan Carlos Morales-Hinojo, a 39-year-old native of Mexico, for illegal reentry into the United States after being previously deported. The indictment was issued on December 13, 2024.
According to court documents, Morales-Hinojo reentered the country on November 8, 2024, following his deportation on August 15, 2019. He faces charges under Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a) and (b)(1). If convicted, he could face up to ten years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Additionally, he may be subject to one year of supervised release and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
Evans emphasized that an indictment is only an accusation and does not imply guilt. "The guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt," he stated.
The U.S. Attorney acknowledged the efforts of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Enforcement Removal Operations in this investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Katherine Kaufman from the General Crimes Unit will lead the prosecution.