A Mexican national, Joel Becerra-Cesario, has pleaded guilty to the charge of illegal reentry into the United States after deportation. The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson on February 18, 2025. Becerra-Cesario, aged 38 and originally from Mexico, admitted to violating Title 8 of the United States Code, Sections 1326(a) and 1326(b)(2).
Court documents reveal that Becerra-Cesario was discovered in Kenner, Louisiana on October 20, 2023. He had previously been deported to Mexico on May 15, 2014. His earlier felony drug conviction took place in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Kansas for possession with intent to distribute cocaine, which led to a prison sentence of 135 months.
Becerra-Cesario is scheduled for sentencing on May 27, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey. He faces a potential maximum penalty of up to twenty years in prison along with a fine reaching $250,000. Additionally, he could be subjected to three years of supervised release and must pay a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson commended the efforts of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Enforcement and Removal Operations for their role in investigating this case. Assistant United States Attorney Spiro G. Latsis from the General Crimes Unit is responsible for prosecuting this matter.