By Paul Hess, WVVA Internet DirectorCONNECT

Posted: Aug 02, 2018 7:26 AM PDT


Alonso Tapia-Gomez

BECKLEY, WV (WVVA) -
A Mexican man faces up to two years in prison and a $250,000 fine for illegally entering the United States.

Alonso Tapia-Gomez, 36, of Michoacan,Mexico was arrested back in May when a trooper with the West Virginia State Police stopped him for speeding on Interstate 64 near Beckley. According to U.S. Attorney Mike Stuart, Tapia-Gomez offered the trooper a Mexican Consular Identification document instead of a driver's license. The trooper contacted ICE agents.

After he was arrested, ICE used Tapia-Gomez's fingerprints to find out whether or not he was removed from the U.S. in the past.

“Four prior removals,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “One would think that Tapia-Gomez would have gotten the message by now. Enter this country legally or face prosecution and deportation. We prosecute 100% of illegal reentry cases and we will continue until those entering illegally go back home, get back in line, and enter our great nation pursuant to our laws.”

Tapia-Gomez was removed three times in 2010. One prior removal took place in 2009.

Tapia-Gomez entered a guilty plea to reentry of a removed alien, a felony offense. Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the plea hearing. A sentencing hearing was scheduled for November 8.

He faces deportation at the conclusion of his federal prison sentence.

http://www.wvva.com/story/38796827/2...al-entry-in-us