Removed Alien Charged With Unlawfully Re-entering U.S.

PITTSBURGH - A citizen of Mexico has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal immigration laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count indictment named Pedro Armando Castro, 57, of Mexico, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, on or about Sept. 23, 2012, Castro was found at the Westmoreland County Prison in Greensburg, Pa., after having unlawfully re-entered the United States following removal on or about Oct. 24, 2002.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 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 James T. Kitchen is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.