Two men with histories of felony convictions have been federally charged for illegally reentering the United States after previous deportations, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced. The defendants, identified as Wilmer Alexander Cortez-Cruz from El Salvador and Sergio Ivan Morelos-Torres from Mexico, were both taken into custody in Las Vegas and made their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Elayna J. Youchah on Monday.
According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Cortez-Cruz, 56, and Morelos-Torres, 52, have each been charged with one count of deported alien found in the United States, a charge that carries a significant potential sentence. These arrests were reported to not only highlight the ongoing efforts of immigration enforcement but also to underline the consequences of illegal reentry after deportation, particularly for those with prior convictions.
The allegations, detailed in criminal complaints, state that Cortez-Cruz was previously deported on October 16, 2019, and has a record that includes multiple DUI convictions. ICE took custody of Cortez-Cruz on March 19 based on an ICE detainer following a term with the Nevada Department of Corrections. Morelos-Torres was arrested by ICE on March 18, after having been deported to Mexico on eight prior occasions, with past convictions for felony Burglary, 2nd degree, and two felony convictions for illegally reentering the U.S.
If convicted on their current charges, Morelos-Torres, who has potentially more to lose due to his record, faces up to 10 years in prison and other penalties, while Cortez-Cruz could see up to two years of incarceration. Preliminary hearings for both men are scheduled for April 14.
The criminal investigations were led by the ICE Salt Lake City, Las Vegas Sub-Office, with prosecutions by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada. U.S. Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Salt Lake City Field Office Director Michael Bernacke announced the charges. While a criminal complaint is only an accusation and both accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty, these cases serve to remind the public of the legal ramifications of illegal reentry after deportation.
Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious activity to ICE by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form. More developments on this case are likely to unfold following the April 14 preliminary hearings.
