Mexican National - Formerly Of Norwalk - Indicted: U.S. Attorney

NORWALK, CT — A 42-year-old citizen of Mexico - who prosecutors said formerly lived in Norwalk - was indicted by a federal grand jury this month on one count of illegally re-entering the United States after being deported, according to U.S. Attorney John H. Durham.

Armando Machorro-Rojas entered a plea of not guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge William I. Garfinkel in Bridgeport.

According to prosecutors and allegations in court documents, on two occasions in March 2007, Machorro-Rojas had encounters with U.S. Border Patrol that resulted in him voluntarily returning to Mexico.

"On March 23, 2012, Machorro Rojas was arrested by Norwalk Police and charged with operating a vehicle without a license," Durham wrote in a statement. "On April 26, 2012, he was deported from the U.S. to Mexico."

But in March 2015, Machorro-Rojas was found by U.S. Border Patrol near Bisbee, Arizona. About a month later, he was again removed to Mexico.

"It is further alleged that, on June 6, 2015, Machorro-Rojas was encountered by U.S. Border Patrol near Santa Teresa, New Mexico," Durham said. "He was subsequently charged in the District of New Mexico with one count of reentry of a removed alien. He pleaded guilty to the offense, was sentenced to time served and, on July 10, 2015, was removed to Mexico."

In May of this year, Machorro-Rojas was arrested by Norwalk Police and charged with third-degree burglary, risk of injury to a minor, third-degree larceny, second-degree breach of peace, and interfering/resisting arrest.

"It is alleged that an immigration detainer that was lodged with the state authorities was not honored, and Machorro-Rojas was released on bond on July 5."

He was apprehended by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers, and has been detained since August 9.

If convicted of the charge of illegal re-entry, Machorro-Rojas faces a maximum term of 10 years in prison.

U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial at which it is the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Deborah R. Slater.