A Mexican national has admitted guilt in a U.S. District Court in Bangor, Maine, over making false declarations to a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agent.
Felipe De Jesus Zavala Medel, 64, was accused of presenting a false identity at the Coburn Gore port of entry this past January. Upon arriving from Canada, Zavala Medel provided a North Dakota driver’s license under the name “Johny Joe Olivo.” He also showed other documents supporting this identity and claimed to be born in Texas. Zavala Medel went on to fill out and sign a Customs Declaration form with this inaccurate information.
During further questioning, Zavala Medel conceded that he lacked documentation to enter, live, or work legally in the United States.
The penalties Zavala Medel might face include a prison sentence of up to five years and a fine of $250,000. His sentencing will occur following a presentence investigation conducted by the U.S. Probation Office. The final sentence will be decided by a federal judge considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines along with other legal requirements.
The investigation was carried out by the Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security Investigations.