Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston announced that four Mexican nationals have been detained in the Southern District of West Virginia following their arrest. Maximino Montalvo Salas, Federico Montalvo Salas, and Bernabe Montalvo Salas are charged with illegally reentering the United States. Julio Cesar Ruiz-Perez faces charges related to the deceptive use of a Social Security account number.
United States Magistrate Judge Omar J. Aboulhosn ordered the detention of the four individuals after separate hearings. Law enforcement officials had interviewed the Salas defendants at their workplace in South Charleston on March 28, 2025, discovering their illegal status. The investigation revealed that each had been deported previously and did not have legal permission to be in the United States.
On April 11, 2025, a search of their residence led to the encounter with Ruiz-Perez, who was found to be using fraudulently obtained Social Security information to gain employment.
The cases arise from Operation Take Back America, a Department of Justice initiative targeting illegal immigration and transnational criminal organizations. Acting United States Attorney Johnston emphasized the significance of this operation, stating, "Operation Take Back America and its core enforcement objectives is a top priority of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia."
Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan T. Storage is handling the prosecution, part of a unit focusing on immigration enforcement. It's noted that criminal complaints contain mere allegations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless proven guilty in court.
For further information, related documents and updates are available through PACER using specific case numbers.