U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson announced that six individuals have been indicted on federal charges as part of Operation Take Back America. The defendants, identified as illegal aliens, face charges beyond their unlawful presence in the United States, including firearms violations and illegal reentry after removal.
The individuals charged include Santo Antonio Barradas-Leon, also known as Santos Antonio Leon-Barredas, 36, from Mexico. He is accused of illegal reentry into the U.S. as an aggravated felon after being previously removed in April 2009 and March 2020. Barradas-Leon was apprehended by the Union County Sheriff’s Office on March 9, 2025.
Ruben Duran-Mercado, also known as Ruben Mercado Duran, 26, from Mexico, faces similar charges for illegal reentry following his removal in August 2024. His arrest occurred on February 8, 2025.
Deyvi Carlos Perez Morales, also known as Carlos Perez Morales, 32, from Mexico is charged with illegal reentry after three prior removals in July 2010, September 2011, and July 2017. The Marshville Police Department arrested him on February 8.
Jairo Ernesto Perry Santos from Honduras is charged with illegally reentering the U.S., having been removed in August 2016. An arrest warrant has been issued for Santos.
Eusebio Fuentes-Soto faces charges for possession of a firearm and ammunition by an illegal alien. Known by several aliases including Eusebio Sotos and Edgar Perez-Berillos or Edgar Perez, he was previously removed in 2018. A warrant is out for his arrest.
Raul Bello Rojas from Mexico is facing multiple charges: possession with intent to distribute cocaine; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a trafficking crime; possession of a firearm by an illegal alien; and illegal reentry into the U.S. Rojas remains in federal custody.
"The charges in the indictments are allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law," stated U.S. Attorney Ferguson.
Ferguson credited Homeland Security Investigations along with Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Emergency Removal Operations and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for their investigative efforts leading to these indictments. Local law enforcement agencies such as the Union County Sheriff’s Office and Marshville Police Department were commended for their assistance.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys from Charlotte's Criminal Division are handling prosecution duties for these cases under Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative aiming to combat illegal immigration while targeting cartels and transnational criminal organizations to safeguard communities against violent crime perpetrators.