Source: Office of United States Attorneys
AUSTIN, Texas – A Honduran national with previous removals and criminal convictions was transferred into federal custody in Austin on criminal charges related to his alleged illegal re-entry.
According to court documents, Melvin Armando Funes-Canales, was located in the Williamson County jail on or about July 16, 2024, where he had been detained for alleged possession of a controlled substance. An investigation revealed Funes-Canales had been previously removed from the U.S. to Honduras on or about Oct. 9, 2020, and had also been deported on five other occasions. Additionally, Funes-Canales was previously convicted of burglary, grand theft and illegal re-entry.
Funes-Canales is charged with illegal re-entry. If convicted, Funes-Canales faces up to 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Harding is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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