MADISON, Wis. (AP) — An immigrant who was arrested after a judge in Wisconsin allegedly helped him dodge federal agents has been sentenced to time served for illegally reentering the United States.
U.S. District Judge Pamela Pepper sentenced 31-year-old Eduardo Flores-Ruiz on Wednesday in Milwaukee after he reached a deal with prosecutors to not contest deportation. Flores-Ruiz has spent nearly seven months in jail since his arrest back in April. Judge Pepper warned him that he would face harsher penalties if he ever returns.
“I very much hope you can find a way to make a living back home rather than coming back here,” she told Flores-Ruiz.
Speaking through a translator, Flores-Ruiz expressed remorse for his actions, said he was grateful for having worked in the U.S., and promised never to return.
Flores-Ruiz, originally from Michoacan, Mexico, had attempted to cross into the U.S. in 2013 at the age of 18 but was immediately caught and deported. A short time later, he reentered the U.S. and got lost in the Arizona desert for a month before making his way to Milwaukee to join relatives. He spent approximately 12 years working in various restaurants and food trucks.
His troubles began when state prosecutors charged him in March with three counts of misdemeanor battery after an altercation with his roommate. Following a routine fingerprint check submitted by the Milwaukee County Jail to federal databases, U.S. immigration agents learned of his illegal status. Agents attempted to apprehend him during a court appearance but were informed by Judge Hannah Dugan, who allegedly assisted Flores-Ruiz’s escape, leading to her own arrest a week later. Dugan is facing trial on charges of obstruction of justice.
Following his capture, Flores-Ruiz was indicted for illegally reentering the country and spent nearly seven months awaiting deportation and resolution of his state charges, which were dropped after a plea deal.
Flores-Ruiz's plea agreement allowed prosecutors to recommend a time-served sentence instead of the potential two years he faced. His attorney has confirmed he remains in custody, awaiting deportation.
U.S. District Judge Pamela Pepper sentenced 31-year-old Eduardo Flores-Ruiz on Wednesday in Milwaukee after he reached a deal with prosecutors to not contest deportation. Flores-Ruiz has spent nearly seven months in jail since his arrest back in April. Judge Pepper warned him that he would face harsher penalties if he ever returns.
“I very much hope you can find a way to make a living back home rather than coming back here,” she told Flores-Ruiz.
Speaking through a translator, Flores-Ruiz expressed remorse for his actions, said he was grateful for having worked in the U.S., and promised never to return.
Flores-Ruiz, originally from Michoacan, Mexico, had attempted to cross into the U.S. in 2013 at the age of 18 but was immediately caught and deported. A short time later, he reentered the U.S. and got lost in the Arizona desert for a month before making his way to Milwaukee to join relatives. He spent approximately 12 years working in various restaurants and food trucks.
His troubles began when state prosecutors charged him in March with three counts of misdemeanor battery after an altercation with his roommate. Following a routine fingerprint check submitted by the Milwaukee County Jail to federal databases, U.S. immigration agents learned of his illegal status. Agents attempted to apprehend him during a court appearance but were informed by Judge Hannah Dugan, who allegedly assisted Flores-Ruiz’s escape, leading to her own arrest a week later. Dugan is facing trial on charges of obstruction of justice.
Following his capture, Flores-Ruiz was indicted for illegally reentering the country and spent nearly seven months awaiting deportation and resolution of his state charges, which were dropped after a plea deal.
Flores-Ruiz's plea agreement allowed prosecutors to recommend a time-served sentence instead of the potential two years he faced. His attorney has confirmed he remains in custody, awaiting deportation.
