A resident of Mexico who had been living in northwest Iowa after illegally re-entering the United States has been sentenced in U.S. District Court.
Forty-nine-year-old Jesus Banuelos-Lepe was sentenced Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Sioux City to four years in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to one count of illegal re-entry as a felon.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa, Banuelos-Lepe had been living in Maurice before his arrest. He was taken into custody in Sioux County on July 20th of last year on an OWI charge after deputies found him passed out behind the wheel of a vehicle stopped in the middle of the roadway.
Authorities say that during booking at the Sioux County Jail, Banuelos-Lepe provided a false alias to law enforcement. A subsequent investigation revealed his true identity and immigration status. Officials determined he had previously been removed from the United States on five separate occasions and did not have legal authorization to re-enter or remain in the country.
Court records also indicate Banuelos-Lepe was previously convicted in April 2007 in Oregon of the federal felony offense of transporting an illegal alien.
Federal officials say there is no parole in the federal system. Following completion of his prison sentence, Banuelos-Lepe will be subject to federal supervision and immigration proceedings.
The case was investigated by federal authorities and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa.
This story is courtesy of fellow Community First Broadcasting station KUOO
