A Romanian national who admitted he was in the United States illegally after being deported twice was sentenced Friday to time served after spending more than six months in federal custody, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Puiu Lacatus, 37, was sentenced June 12 by Chief U.S. District Judge Robert A. Molloy after pleading guilty to illegally entering the United States after previously being removed, federal prosecutors said. He had been detained for six months and one day before sentencing.
According to court documents, Homeland Security Investigations agents received a tip Dec. 11 regarding a group of undocumented immigrants staying at a residence in Estate Contant. Agents conducting surveillance observed Lacatus leave the residence and walk toward Nisky Center.
Federal agents approached him and identified themselves as immigration officers before asking about his nationality and legal status in the United States. According to prosecutors, Lacatus told agents he was Romanian and did not have legal status to remain in the country.
Records checks later showed that Lacatus had previously been deported twice. Authorities also confirmed there was no record indicating he had received permission from the Department of Homeland Security to re-enter the United States, according to court documents.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Criminal Chief Kyle Payne of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of the Virgin Islands prosecuted the case, according to the release.
