Source: Office of United States Attorneys
OKLAHOMA CITY – JOSE PAXTOR-OXLAJ, 45, of Guatemala, has pleaded guilty to illegally reentering after removal from the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On September 17, 2024, a federal Grand Jury charged Paxtor-Oxlaj with illegal reentry after previous deportation. According to an affidavit filed in support of a criminal complaint, on November 21, 2023, Paxtor-Oxlaj was the driver of a vehicle involved in an accident near Elk City, Oklahoma, in which his six passengers—including five children—died, and a seventh passenger was critically injured. An investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) revealed Paxtor-Oxlaj was ordered to be removed by an Immigration Judge on June 29, 2010, and he had been removed from the United States to Guatemala on July 9, 2010. According to investigators, Paxtor-Oxlaj did not have permission to reenter the United States after his prior deportation.
“Six individuals would be alive today, including five children, and another would not have been critically injured, if this defendant did not illegally reenter the United States after his deportation,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. “His failure to comply with our immigration laws has resulted in horrific and tragic consequences which can never be undone. I applaud the federal and state law enforcement officials and prosecutors for their efforts with this case.”
On March 21, 2025, Paxtor-Oxlaj pleaded guilty, and admitted he was knowingly in the United States without having obtained the consent of the Attorney General or the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission into the United States. Sentencing will take place in federal court in approximately 60 to 90 days.
In Beckham County District Court, Paxtor-Oxlaj was convicted of six counts of first-degree manslaughter and one count of causing accident with great bodily injury without a valid driver’s license in case number CF-2023-257. He was sentenced to serve four years in state prison.
This case is the result of an investigation by the HSI, ICE, and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brandon Hale and Elizabeth Joynes.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.