STAFF REPORTS
BUFFALO, N.Y. — U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Gerino Barrera-Tapia, 37, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with illegal reentry after deportation. The charge carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth R. Moellering, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on September 12, 2018, a Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Deputy encountered the defendant during a vehicle safety check. United States Border Patrol was contacted to assist in identifying Barrera-Tapia. During questioning, the defendant stated that he was a citizen of Mexico and was illegally present in the United States. He was taken into custody. Subsequent investigation determined that Barrera-Tapia was a native and citizen of Mexico. A records check determined that the defendant was removed from the United States in February 2008.
Barrera-Tapia made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and was detained.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Timothy Whitcomb, and U.S. Border Patrol, under the direction of Patrol Agent-in-Charge Steven Oldman.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
