The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania has announced that Nicolae Strava, a 30-year-old Romanian citizen, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of illegal reentry. The indictment was filed on January 23, 2025.
Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus stated that the indictment claims Strava was previously deported from the United States on April 23, 2019, through Houston, Texas. It is further alleged that he was found in Centre County, Pennsylvania, on September 20, 2024, without obtaining legal permission to return to the U.S.
The investigation into this case was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). Assistant U.S. Attorney Robin Zenzinger is handling the prosecution.
If convicted of the most serious charge, Strava could face a maximum penalty of two years in prison, a fine, and supervised release following imprisonment. Sentencing would be determined by a judge based on federal sentencing statutes and guidelines.
It is important to note that indictments are merely allegations. Individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.