Three individuals from Mexico have admitted to illegally re-entering the United States after being deported multiple times. Luis Alberto Nunez Campos, 41, and Marco Antonio Martinez-Vences, 44, both face up to two years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000. After serving their sentences, they will be deported.
Jose Diaz Morales, 30, also pleaded guilty to illegal re-entry following a felony conviction. Due to his prior offense, he faces a potential maximum sentence of ten years in federal prison and a similar fine. He too will be deported after completing his sentence.
The investigation revealed that Diaz Morales was arrested by the North Charleston Police Department on December 19, 2014, for criminal sexual conduct in the third degree. He later pleaded guilty to assault and battery in the first degree and was deported on October 19, 2017. After illegally re-entering the U.S., he was again arrested for assault and battery in the third degree and found guilty at a bench trial on November 13, 2024.
Martinez-Vences has been deported from the U.S. at least seven times since June 26, 2008. His most recent arrest was by the City of Charleston Police Department for felony traffic violations in November 2024.
Nunez Campos was first deported on March 13, 2001. His latest arrest occurred on January 15 by the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office on illegal drug charges.
U.S. District Judge David C. Norton accepted their guilty pleas and will determine their sentences after reviewing reports prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, an initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at combating illegal immigration and transnational criminal organizations while protecting communities from violent crime.
The investigations were conducted by officers from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Criminal Alien Program and Fugitive Operations within Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Kittrell is handling the prosecution.