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Press Release

Mexican National Pleads Guilty to Illegal Re-entry of a Deported Alien Previously Convicted of a Felony

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JOSE MANUEL CHENO, age 55, a citizen of Mexico, pleaded guilty on February 28, 2024 to illegal reentry of a deported alien previously convicted of a felony, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Sections 1326(a)and (b)(2).

According to court documents, JOSE MANUEL CHENO (“CHENO”) admitted to reentering the United States after being previously deported on January 27, 2018. Furthermore, on May 5, 2005, CHENO was convicted of Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Marijuana in United States District Court, District of Arizona.

CHENO faces a maximum term of imprisonment of  twenty (20) years, followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

U.S. District Court Judge Sarah S. Vance has set sentencing for June 26, 2024. 

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Department of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jon Maestri of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

Contact

Shane M. Jones

Publlic Information Officer

United States Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Louisiana

United States Department of Justice

Updated February 29, 2024

Topic
Immigration