PITTSBURGH, PA - An illegal alien found in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, has pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of illegal re-entry after deportation, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Juan Mendez Patishtan, 33, of Mexico, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.
In connection with the guilty plea, Juan Mendez Patishtan, an illegal alien, was formally removed from the United States by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Oct. 23, 2010, Jan. 26, 2011, March 9, 2011, Sept. 21, 2011, April 5, 2014, and April 16, 2015.
Judge Bissoon scheduled the sentencing for Nov. 16, 2016, at 2:15 p.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 2 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Juan Mendez Patishtan.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.